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Brian Swaw

Late news from training camp

According to Michael Lombardi of The National Football Post, RB Jamal Lewis' roster spot is not safe. Lewis has looked incredibly tentative this preseason, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry. Meanwhile, rookie RB James Davis has been popping 7.8 yards per rush. As long as RB Jerome Harrison is recovered from the ankle injury that kept him sidelined the past 2 weeks, Lewis is expendable. Of course, this is just speculation, but we'd stay far, far away from Lewis on draft day.

ESPN's Adam Schefter hears that Chiefs QB Matt Cassel's knee injury will not keep him out of the lineup for the team's Week 1 game against the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs ;clearly... are not expecting him to play in Thursday night's final preseason game against the Rams in St. Louis or the Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Ravens in Baltimore." The smart move would be to hold him out against the Ravens and the bashing he'd receive in that game.

Vikings QB Brett Favre lit it up on Monday Night Football, completing 13 of 18 passes for 142 yards and a TD. Favre was under constant pressure, and took several hard licks. But each time he bounced back up. Favre had an impressive showing, but the Vikes pass protection will need to improve if they want their savior to last the whole season.

Texans QB Matt Schaub limped off the field during the 2nd quarter of last night's game against the Vikings after appearing to twist his ankle while scrambling out of bounds. He had it taped and then was out there for the next series, so it's nothing to worry about. But this is just another reminder that Schaub's more fragile than a piece of fine China. He's not a good bet to play a full 16-game season but should be a top-8 QB when he is out there. He finished tonight's game 10 of 14 for 108 yards and 1 INT.

Patriots QB Tom Brady was present for the start of practice yesterday. But he was only seen handing the ball off during the abbreviated open-media session. It's a good sign that Brady is out on the field, but that shoulder might still be barkin'. We're not expecting any more details until next Wednesday when the team must release its Week 1 injury report.

According to the Denver Post, the injury Broncos QB Kyle Orton suffered Sunday night was ;an open dislocation (meaning it penetrated the skin) of the right knuckle." Sounds pretty nasty. Orton won't play in the team's 4th preseason game on Thursday, but he hasn't been ruled out for the September 13th opener. You have to think the Broncos will do everything in their power to get him ready for that game. Because if he can't go, it'd be QB Tom Brandstater under center.

Saints QB Drew Brees noted that WR Lance Moore is "obviously a big part of what we do." Brees targeted him 7 times in Saturday's game, connecting on 4 of them. If Moore can remain healthy, he's an excellent WR3 playing in the Saints pass heavy attack.

Packers WR Greg Jennings will miss the team's fourth and final preseason game. Jennings is being held out of action because of a concussion he sustained in Friday's game against the Cardinals. HC Mike McCarthy said he thinks Jennings will be fine for week 1, so we're not bumping him down our rankings. He remains a borderline top-5 WR.

Bills WR Terrell Owens is back practicing with the team. T.O has missed the last 3 preseason games with a toe injury, and isn't expected to play in the finale. But he'll be in the starting lineup when week 1 rolls around. He's a fine WR2.

Lions QB Daunte Culpepper missed practice on Monday with a toe injury. Culpepper needed 8 stitches to mend the injury he sustained at his home on Saturday night. If he misses significant time, the team will have no choice but to name Matt Stafford the starter

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant returned to practice yesterday, about 3 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. He'll probably play a few series in the team's 4th preseason game and will have 2 weeks to build some chemistry with QB Byron Leftwich. We can't think of a better WR3 for your squad.

Jets WR Chansi Stuckey has locked up the team's #2 WR spot. "I think it's still a position that's still by committee," HC Rex Ryan said. "But I think he's the guy you throw out there first." Not exactly a ringing endorsement for his starting WR. Stuckeys' 4-catch, 69-yard performance against the Giants on Saturday likely sealed his fate as the starter. Despite the role, he's worthy of no more than a lottery ticket at the end of drafts.

Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett is reportedly no longer in the mix for the team's 3rd WR role. In fact, Panthers beat writer Darin Gantt thinks he might even be a healthy scratch on game days. The 3rd year WR simply has not been consistent enough to merit a role on offense. He's not a guy you want to take a late round flier on.