The Fantasy Football Blog

Every Tuesday, I'll post the latest news on injuries leading into the upcoming games and update them in in italics until Friday, when the extras run with my new column. Updates will include the big names on the NFL's injury reports that are released every Wednesday.

SPECIAL NOTE: I'll be on The Press Box with Bob Behler and Scott Harris on The Zone 640 AM at 4:20 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday).

UPDATED: Tuesday, 10 p.m. and Wednesday 9:30 p.m. see bottom of post

The big one this week is Javon Walker (GB-WR) who suffered a major knee injury and will miss the entire season. This reminds me a lot of Steve Smith (CAR-WR) last season. Look for Donald Driver (GB-WR) to become Brett Favre's (GB-QB) main target and expect Bubba Franks (GB-TE) to see more passes come his way.

So much was expected of Mike Anderson (DEN-RB) in Week 1, only to have him suffer a rib injury early in the game. He never returned and finished with just five yards rushing. He's expected to have an MRI and his status for Week 2 will be more clear once the tests come back. Tatum Bell (DEN-RB) will get the start if Anderson can't go.

John Hall (WAS-K) left Sunday's game with a leg problem and he'll likely miss some time. Find another kicker.

It took less than one game for Patrick Ramsey (WAS-QB) to lose his job. Mark Brunell (WAS-QB) has been named the starter for Monday's game at Dallas. I suggest trying not to start either of them.

Eric Johnson (SF-TE) couldn't go with a foot injury in Week 1. The 49ers are hoping he'll suit up this weekend at Philadelphia.

Jerome Bettis (PIT-RB), Duce Staley (PIT-RB) and Lee Suggs (CLE-RB) all missed Week 1. We'll keep an eye on their status as Sunday approaches.

Speaking of Suggs, I was pleasantly suprised with Rueben Droughns' (CLE-RB) performance in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. Droughns finished with 78 yards on 12 carries despite the move from Denver's tremendous O-Line to the Browns patchwork one. Droughns may just be a reliable fantasy backup after all. We'll see what happens when Suggs returns.

The big pickups this week (especially in deeper leagues) are: Patrick Crayton (DAL-WR), Shaun McDonald (STL-WR), Michael Jenkins (ATL-WR), Chris Wilcox (BAL-TE) and (name of the week alert) Frisman Jackson (CLE-WR).

QUICK MONDAY NIGHT THOUGHTS - Jenkins is the real deal. ... Warrick Dunn (ATL-RB) may have been the steal of many, many fantasy drafts. ... Donovan McNabb (PHI-QB) owners would like to see him take off a few times a game, especially down near the end zone. ... The Atlanta defense is scary good. ... With two games next Monday night to determine our fantasy matchups, I'm concerned that my head will explode.

UPDATED: Tuesday, 10 p.m.

Kyle Boller (BAL-QB) is out for Week 2. Anthony Wright (BAL-QB) will start at Tennessee. If Wright plays well, he may keep the job. ... Larry Johnson (KC-RB) was arrested Monday night at a bar for domestic abuse. What is in the Chiefs' water this season? Anyway, Johnson will still likely play Sunday and it sounds like the charges may be dropped soon. He has had previous problems with the law, so keep an eye on it if you own him. ... Speaking of Chiefs and the law, Lawrence Tynes (KC-K), who was arrested for assaulting a bouncer in the preseason, is in danger of losing his job. The Chiefs have brought in Todd France (K) to work out and may sign the free agent kicker. Whoever kicks for the high-powered KC offense will be worth a fantasy spot, so it's worth taking note of the comings and goings. Looks like Nick Novak (WAS-K) will start for the Redskins this week with John Hall (WAS-K) down. ... Also in D.C., word is that Patrick Ramsey (WAS-QB) is upset at losing his starting job, has asked for a trade. ... More tomorrow when the NFL inury reports come out.

UPDATED: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m.

The NFL releases its injury report each Wednesday. Here's the latest on the big names. I won't list players listed as probable because they almost always play.

Donovan McNabb (PHI-QB) is questionable for the game, but is saying that he'll play. Keep him as your starter unless something happens between now and then. ... Kyle Boller (BAL-QB) is out, as reported earlier in the week. Anthony Wright (BAL-QB) will start. Also for the Ravens, Daniel Wilcox (BAL-TE) is questionable. ... Ben Troupe (TEN-TE) is questionable. ... Lee Suggs (CLE-RB) is questionable, so Rueben Droughns (CLE-RB) will likely get the majority of carries again this week. ... Duce Staley (PIT-RB) is listed as questionable. He was listed there for last week's game and didn't dress, so expect Willie Parker (PIT-RB) to again be the featured back, especially since Jerome Bettis (PIT-RB) is doubtful again. ... Mike Anderson (DEN-RB) is questionable and there has been little word otherwise. If he can't go, Tatum Bell (DEN-RB) will put up some yards. ... Eric Johnson (SF-TE) is doubtful while teammate Johnnie Morton (SF-WR) is questionable. ... Jeremy Shockey (NYG-TE) and Ernie Conwell (NO-TE) are both questionable.

That's it for now. Check out Friday's column and blog extras.