Stafford reportedly has a season-ending shoulder injury
By Gayle Saunders
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By the look of the preliminary tests quarterback Matthew Stafford has a Grade 3 separation of his throwing shoulder, which most likely means he would be lost for another season.
During Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Jets, Stafford sustained the injury to his right shoulder. Stafford had an MRI on Monday, and it is not known if that test definitely confirms the Lions’ initial findings.
Stafford will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, Stafford seeked a second opinion earlier this season for a previous shoulder injury. Currently there are no decisions about Stafford’s status for the rest of the season.
“I’ve got to talk some more with these doctors and kind of figure out what they’re thinking,” Stafford told a Detroit radio program Monday night. “It’s kind of frustrating to be coming back and, two games later, be knocked out again. We’ll take it day by day and figure out what the plan is.”
Stafford’s first shoulder injury the beginning of this season was a Grade 2 separation, which kept him out six weeks. Now with just eight weeks left in the regular season, a Grade 3 separation would mean the end of the season. Stafford said his current injury felt “very similar” to his first shoulder separation.
It must be frustrating for Stafford who is dealing with his fourth injury in less than two years. He’s missed two games with a dislocated right knee cap, and then after playing two games with a separated left shoulder, he sat out the final four games of the 2009 season.
Fantasy Football – Week 2 Pickups
By Gayle Saunders
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QB’s
Week 2 Pickups
If your fantasy quarterbacks happens to be Kevin Kolb (concussion) or Matthew Stafford (shoulder), Look no further than Michael Vick , Matt Hasselbeck or David Garrard they could all serve as a replacements this week.
Eagles – Michael Vick showcased some speed and arm strength in Week 1, Vick created a QB controversy with his stellar play against a tough Green Bay defense he threw some darts which were on target and made many plays with his legs. Vick completed 16 of 24 pass attempts for 175 yards and a touchdown and chipped in an additional 103 rushing yards on 11 carries. With Kolb still suffering a concussion look for Vick to regain form against the Lions.
Seahawks – Matt Hasselbeck played decent in Week 1, he completed 18 of 23 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He scored a TD on a short run. Hasselbeck has new a wideout in Mike Williams and reliable tight end John Carlson. Next up for Hasselbeck: the Denver Broncos, who gave up 170 yards and 3 touchdowns to David Garrard (and a whopping 76% completion percentage). Hasselbeck looks like a solid start for week 2. Read more
Week 12- Fantasy Football Pickups
WEEK 12 – FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKUPS
By Gayle Saunders follow him on twitter: GayleESaunders
If you are looking for a free agent or waiver wire pickup, here are a couple of the best options likely available in your league. With major injuries all around the league its time to get smart and make sure your Fantasy team is ready for the playoffs.
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QUARTERBACKS
Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford is not playing this week, but if you may need a qb down the road come playoffs when your stud is sitting out, Matthew Stafford might have got some confdence going on from last weeks game passing for 422 yards 5td. Not to shabby eh? Look for favorable matchups if you deploy Stafford. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tennessee Titans- Vince Young is now 8 for 8 of his last starts. That is 4 straight victories, since he took over at QB for the 4-6 Titans. The improvement is real. Young continues to play with a high level of confidence While he might not be the best passing option, he makes up for it with his legs. Against the Texans, Vince had 73 yards rushing so you know he is always a threat to score on the goal line on a qb sneak. If your at need at QB he may be a safe option depending on opponent.
San Francisco 49ers- Alex Smith could have a big day against The Jaguars who have only 10 sacks on the season and they dont get many turnovers. He has one of the top TE’s in fantasy in Vernon Davis and with Michael Crabtree coming into his own, Smith is a safe bet against Jacksonville. If in need go get Alex Smith!
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Washington Redskins – Rock Cartwright With injuries to the backfield in Washington it makes Cartwright a no brainer pickup for this week. Clinton Portis is still dealing with the concussion and Ladell Betts tore some knee ligaments. He had 140 combine yards and 7 receptions last week. Go get him while he is still there. He looks like he could average 20 touches a game down the road.
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Indianapolis Colts – Donald Brown , With the rate Indianapolis Colts are going in… they look ready to be a lock for home field advantage with a couple more wins. With this potential scenario for the fantasy playoffs, he may be safe to deploy since the Colts are always known to rest players. It would be a perfect time for them to evaluate his talent. If your looking for creative ideas in crunch time, he could be worth a shot.
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New England Patriots – Sammy Morris- before he got injured he was getting touches. If you cant get Kevin Faulk , your next pick is Sammy Morris in deeper leagues. With one game under his belt he might be ready to get more reps. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TIGHT END
New York Giants- Kevin Boss Boss has scored 4 touchdowns in his last three games, if he is still there take a look. He may even be worth a trade, if your TE’s have been ineffective, he’s your guy.
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Green Bay Packers – Jermichael Finley- proved to be fully healthy in his Week 11 return, leading the team with 10 targets while posting seven catches for 54 yards. A high-upside borderline TE1 going forward, Finley has a dream matchup this week. A must pickup!
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Oakland Raiders – Zach Miller- The only reliable receiving option this season, Miller responded pretty well to the quarterback change with 5 cathhes for 65 yards and 1 score against Cincy last week. Miller and the Raiders offense have tough matchups the next two games, but like I said he is the only reliable option for the Raiders.
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WIDE RECEIVERS
San Diego Chargers- Legudu Naanee is worth a look, he isnt catching tons of passes, but he is an explosive player and had two touchdowns in 2 straight games for the chargers.
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Tennessee Titans – Kenny Britt with Vince Young playing well you have to look at Kenny Britt. We spoke of him last week and he came up big for a score in week 11. If your hurting at receiver he’s worth a look.
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St. Louis Rams – Brandon Gibson He was targeted as many times as Wes Welker last week (17 times). The only problem is that Marc Bulger went down. With an average of six catches for 77 yards on 13 targets the past two weeks, Gibson is worth a roster spot if you’re in need of a receiver.
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Philadelphia Eagles- Jason Avant- The Eagles slot receiver is coming off two of his top three fantasy performances of the season. Give him one more week to prove to you that he is worthy.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Antonio Bryant- Is over his knee issues, thus sending Maurice Stovall back to the bench. During fantasy playoffs he may be wortha play in week 15 against the Seahawks secondary.
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New Orleans Saints – Robert Meachem – We’ve recommended adding Meachem the past two weeks, and he’s delivered with three scores against the Rams and Bucs. Meachem is well worth a roster spot in the Saints’ fast-break offense, but he remains a high-risk/high-reward fantasy play.
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