The Baltimore Ravens' WR was carted off the field on Saturday after tweaking his left hammy.
Pyro's Take:
This doesn't appear to be a serious injury as the Ravens are just being "cautious" but it doesn't help Clayton's stock- which fell when Derrick Mason decided to play again.
After briefly retiring, the Baltimore Ravens' veteran receiver returned to the field Sunday as he said he was 100 percent committed to the team.
Pyro's Take:
The Ravens and Mason will pick up right where they left off. Mason had been lobbying for a new contract but said the retirement had nothing to do with that, and he's ready to play football regardless of his contract situation.
The Baltimore Ravens top receiver had surgery in the offseason to repair a torn labrum and damaged scapula, but he looked in good form Sunday catching passes from QB Joe Flacco.
Pyro's Take:
Mason needed the surgery, and we expect it to have no negative bearing on his performance this season. He's still a top-40 receiver and should have no problem emulating the season he had last year when he caught 80 passes for 1,037 yards.
The Baltimore Ravens RB reported to camp at 270 pounds but says he is working to get down to 255-260 because he wants to be in "that 12-play drive kind of shape."
Pyro's Take:
Coach John Harbaugh said in June that he's not concerned about the added weight saying, "He's probably 10 or 12 pounds heavier than he'll be when we play, but he's also in great shape." McClain will slim down, but his carries will go way down from what he had a year ago as he moves back to the fullback position. We doubt he'll feature in 12-drive series as we expect him to mainly be used on short yardage and goal-line situations.
McGahee, the veteran RB for the Baltimore Ravens, was put on the active/PUP list for the start of training camp but was activated on July 30.
Pyro's Take:
The oft-injured RB underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason for 34th time and the Ravens were just monitoring its progress. It looks healthy and he's ready to return to full training.
The Baltimore Ravens RB, coming off knee surgery, said he expects to enter training camp as the backup to second-year RB Ray Rice.
Pyro's Take:
McGahee said, "it's not how you start but how you finish" but we don't expect McGahee to even get the chance to start. He's too fragile and he's getting old. His carries will diminish significantly this year.
Cam Cameron, the Baltimore Ravens OC, said that he will be using a, "running back by committee. You could see all three of them in the game at the same time. You could see any combination of the two." However, with Willis McGahee recovering from surgery until now, Rice is the starter as training camp arrives.
Pyro's Take:
Rice will get the majority of the carries in this system, but he will lose some to McGahee and to McClain, who will probably be used on short-yardage and goal-line situations. But at the end of the season, Rice will be Baltimore's leading rusher.
Cam Cameron, the Baltimore Ravens OC, said that he will be using a, "running back by committee. You could see all three of them in the game at the same time. You could see any combination of the two."
Pyro's Take:
With his injury problems and relatively old age, McGahee will take a back seat to Rice in this system. McGahee will still get a decent amount of carries, but Rice will get the majority of them and McClain will be used on short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Cam Cameron, the Baltimore Ravens OC, said that he will be using a, "running back by committee. You could see all three of them in the game at the same time. You could see any combination of the two."
Pyro's Take:
McClain won't get nearly as many touches as he did last year, as Rice will get the majority of the carries in this system. However, McClain will be used mostly on short-yardage and goal-line situations, so he will get plenty of scoring opportunities.
The second-year RB for the Baltimore Ravens bulked up to 207 lbs this offseason (from 202 lbs last season), most notably in his upper body. He said, "I actually want to run into some people. I feel like a more complete player as far as running, catching and blocking.”
Pyro's Take:
Ravens coach John Harbaugh likes the bulk that Rice added in the offseason. "He’s a little bigger, and he’s actually leaner, faster, quicker, and he’s in great shape. He looked good." This is good news for Rice as his stock continues to rise while Willis McGahee's stock falls with his injuries. We expect Rice to be the starter, and get the majority of the carries, in a RBBC setting.
The Baltimore Ravens second-year QB struggled throughout the first few days of training camp, throwing 5-6 interceptions according to beat reporter Mike Preston. Preston said Flacco "has made some poor decisions while trying to force passes into tight situations."
Pyro's Take:
We don't expect Flacco to be anywhere close to a great quarterback, but this is discouraging news. However, coach John Harbaugh said the reason for his mistakes is that "at this point we’re throwing a lot of stuff at him." Flacco should improve on last year, but not by much.
Because of the shortage of receivers in Baltimre, the Ravens backup QB Troy Smith saw a fair amount of reps at WR during the past week in training camp.
Pyro's Take:
Nobody has said anything about Smith possibly moving to WR, so he's still going to be primarily the backup QB. However, he will feature prominently in the Ravens Wildcat package, but don't expect him to get much time at WR during the season.
The Ravens tight-end thinks he can return to Pro-Bowl form. "There's no doubt in my mind that I can be a top tight end. I have confidence in myself and my abilities."
Pyro's Take:
Heap had an awful year last year, catching just 35 passes for 305 yards (career lows for a 16-game season). He says his injured calf contributed to it, but now he is dealing with a nagging lower back. But this offseason, the Ravens signed L.J. Smith and drafted Davon Drew. Heap is also doing a lot of chip-blocking so don't expect anything big from him this year.
Ravens WR Demetrius Williams tweaked his right hamstring in practice on Sunday and is out a few days.
Pyro's Take:
This isn't good news for Williams, who is very injury prone. He is coming off a year in which he missed most of the season with an Achilles injury. His speed is his game so he needs that hamstring healthy to be a threat.
The Ravens fourth-year WR has impressed in practice and appears to be 100 percent healthy after undergoing surgery on his Achilles heal in November. The limp he had in minicamp is gone.
Pyro's Take:
This is most likely the last chance Baltimore will give Williams. He only played in 7 games last year before injuring his Achilles and he needs to stay healthy this year.
The Ravens have cut off talks with the Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall, as one source told the Baltimore Sun, "Our interest in Brandon Marshall is between slim and none, and slim just walked out on the field."
Pyro's Take:
This makes sense, as the last part of that statement refers to Derrick Mason coming out of retirement to play WR for the Ravens. It looks like Marshall will remain a Bronco this year.
According to Baltimore Ravens beat writer Jamison Henry, QB Joe Flacco has thrown "a high number of interceptions" and Henry said media and fans "haven't been impressed with [his] progress at training camp."
Pyro's Take:
Ravens' OC Cam Cameron said he wasn't concerned, as he wants his QBs to throw INTs in training camp to test their limits, but then later he said, "in the preseason, I want to throw completions." We think he's just confused because his first and last name are the same. As far as Flacco goes, the Ravens are always going to be a pound-the-rock possession offensive team with a stellar defense.
Baltimore Ravens RB Willis McGahee, known for his questionable work ethic, injury-prone history and dodgy attitude, has really impressed RB coach Wilbert Montgomery during training camp. "“We’ve got a smarter Willis McGahee, more of a student of the game with a good work ethic."
Pyro's Take:
While this may not seem like much, this is actually high praise for McGahee. Unfortunately, he's still second behind Ray Rice on the depth chart, but he'll see his fair share of carries as the Ravens use a RBBC system.
Baltimore Ravens veteran WR Derrick Mason dislocated his middle finger on his right hand Tuesday and could miss the Ravens' first preseason game on Thursday.
Pyro's Take:
Mason injured his finger trying to scoop up the ball on a low pass from QB Joe Flacco, but coach Johm Harbaugh said, "we don't anticipate any problems" with the finger. Mason is a warrior is this is simply a minor setback for him.
Baltimore Ravens WR Demetrius Williams was held out of Monday morning's practice due to "twinges of pain in his right hamstring."
Pyro's Take:
So much for Williams being 100 percent healthy. He downplayed the injury as nothing serious. "I'm just being careful. It's nothing that's going to keep me out." We sure hope so, because he needs to stay healthy this preseason if he's going to have any impact at all during the season.
The Baltimore Ravens have released their first depth chart of the season, and as expected, Ray Rice tops the list at RB with Willis McGahee listed as the backup.
Pyro's Take:
No surprise here, as Rice has impressed in the offseason and McGahee has been dealing with surgery. Rice is still on track to be one of the biggest sleepers this year.
The Baltimore Sun revealed that Mark Clayton actually tore his hamstring nine days ago when he was carted off the field.
Pyro's Take:
This is much more serious than we first thought it was, and Clayton will be out at least half of the preseason, but possibly all the way to week one. This is obviously not good news for the second WR on the Ravens depth chart. We considered him a fringe fantasy starter before the injury, but you'll now have to take this injury into account.
Baltimore Ravens' oft-injured WR Demetrius Williams missed Friday morning's workout with a "minor concussion."
Pyro's Take:
Williams has become a head case, no pun intended. The guy can't stay on the field longer than Mary Poppins. Even though this was a minor ordeal, it still shows the fragility of Williams, and buyer be very aware of his injury history.
Baltimore Ravens' veteran TE Todd Heap was held out of practice Monday morning due to tightness in his lower back.
Pyro's Take:
Heap downplayed the issue, saying, ""My body is feeling good, so I'm just trying to be smart with what I'm doing...I'm just going to try to play it by ear." Heap has looked good this offseason and we think it's no big deal as well.
Baltimore Ravens WR Demetrius Williams returned to practice Monday after suffering a right hamstring injury last Tuesday.
Pyro's Take:
We'd love to see this kid standing upright for more than a week at a time, but that just doesn't seem possible. When healthy, he's fast as hell and would let strong-armed Joe Flacco open up the field more, but it hasn't worked that way thus far. Keep the kid on the waiver wire until he proves he can deal with the wear and tear of NFL football.
Baltimore Ravens WR Demetrius Williams sat out practice Tuesday morning with a hamstring injury.
Pyro's Take:
My goodness. D-Will got back on the field for one day and couldn't stretch his string into two? If this kid could just stay healthy, he'd be a nice option for Flacco down the field throughout the year, but that "if" is starting to become a little too large for fantasy owners to take a chance.
Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton was seen running routes and making hard cuts on the sidelines at practice today, but head coach John Harbaugh advised not to read too much into it. “So he’s not close to coming back,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after Thursday’s practice. “But he’s ahead of schedule.”
Pyro's Take:
We tend to think that Harbaugh's comments are voiced a bit on the cautious side, though the team would be wise not to rush their starting WR2 back too soon regardless. Clayton injured his hamstring earlier in the month and was expected to miss the first couple of preseason games as is, so Harbaugh's thoughts on the matter aren't too much of a shock. Continue to keep Clayton as a distant backup WR on your fantasy charts this season.
The New York Jets face off against the Baltimore Ravens in their second preseason game Monday night in Baltimore. If rookie QB Mark Sanchez or Kellen Clemens delivers a standout performance against the vaunted Ravens Defense, that player could be named the regular season starter later in the week according to coach Rex Ryan. Said Ryan, "Obviously, you're taking the body of work. It won't be just through one game. But if somebody steps up and shines against what is one of the best defenses in the National Football League, then you have to weight it more than you would going against somebody else."
Pyro's Take:
Sanchez will be starting the game and working against the Ravens first-string defense, so if the rookie QB does anything of note, he will most likely be named the starter. Sanchez has been the favorite to win the job from the beginning of camp, but hasn't done enough yet to pull away from Clemens. We'll see if the Jets first-round pick has the moxie in him to take that starting position when it counts.
Though Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco didn't throw for a TD on Monday night, he did complete a 43-yard pass in leading the team down the field to set up a Ray Rice three-yard touchdown run. Flacco also didn't throw an interception against the talented New York Jets defense.
Pyro's Take:
Flacco is still having trouble with his accuracy as he completed only 8-of-18 passes during the game, but the QB continues to be working on it in practice. He won't do a tremendous amount for you fantasy-wise as the Ravens continue to be a run-oriented offense in 2009, but he does have enough upside to emerge as a fringe backup QB this season. Draft him in the late rounds and hope for the best.
The Baltimore Ravens have been staging a kicking competition in camp this year in order to find a successor to team legend, Matt Stover, and it appears they might have found themselves a winner: Second-year undrafted kicker Steven Hauschka. Hauschka was 1-of-2 on FGs for the Ravens last year, both kicks coming from over 50 yards.
Pyro's Take:
Hauschka hasn't missed a field goal in the preseason yet, while Gano missed his lone attempt on Monday night from 46 yards. The Ravens tend to give their kickers plenty of attempts during the year, so keep an eye on Hauschka come draft day if the Ravens indeed designate him their kicker.
Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his hamstring on August 2nd. The return was a welcome surprise to the team as Clayton wasn't expected back with the team for at least another week.
Pyro's Take:
The Ravens receiving corps could use all the help it can get, so having their starting receiver opposite Derrick Mason come back this early from a torn hamstring is great news. QB Joe Flacco stands to be the fantasy player who benefits most from Clayton's return, but it still doesn't bump him up to viable backup status.
Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his hamstring on August 2nd. The return was a welcome surprise to the team as Clayton wasn't expected back with the team for at least another week.
Pyro's Take:
The Ravens receiving corps could use all the help it can get, so having their starting receiver opposite Derrick Mason come back this early from a torn hamstring is great news. QB Joe Flacco stands to be the fantasy player who benefits most from Clayton's return, but it still doesn't bump him up to viable backup status.
Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton is not expected to play in the final preseason game Thursday night against Atlanta. Clayton had returned to practice last week after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered August 2nd, but was held out of the last preseason game as well.
Pyro's Take:
The Ravens would be wise to keep Clayton on the bench Thursday night as their WR corps is already thin and gimpy behind him and Derrick Mason.
Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton said that he won't be playing in the preseason finale. "They want to be sure that everything is as good as we can get it," Clayton said. "We want to get an extra day of work to strengthen it and get the endurance up as opposed to taking chances."
Pyro's Take:
As mediocre as Clayton has been over the past four years, the Ravens still need him healthy for the regular season. There's nobody on the roster that can replace him as the WR2 at this point, so with WR Demetrius Williams unable to stay healthy himself, Clayton needs to make sure he can go in Week 1.
The Baltimore Ravens released rookie kicker Graham Gano on Saturday and named Steven Hauschka their starter for Week 1.
Pyro's Take:
This was a close battle up until the final couple of weeks when Steven started to run away with the job. He's still not a draftable kicker however.
Baltimore Ravens WR Derrick Mason said on Monday that even though his surgically repaired shoulder is fine, this could possibly be his last season regardless.
Pyro's Take:
Mason has been a trooper throughout his career as he has only missed a total of six games in his 12-year stay with the NFL. He's also been one of the steadiest performers over the past decade, always giving fantasy owners exactly what they expect each year. That doesn't look to change in 2009.
Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice said that he will start in the backfield against the Chiefs on Sunday. Rice had been starting ahead of fellow RB Willis McGahee all preseason as well.
Pyro's Take:
This isn't what you would call a shocker, as the writing has been all over the wall for this one for quite some time now. McGahee is an injury-prone headcase, and LeRon McClain has been moved back to the FB position. The doors are wide open for Rice to become a stud this year and should be drafted and used as a high upside RB2 on your team.
Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice said that he will start in the backfield against the Chiefs on Sunday. Rice had been starting ahead of fellow RB Willis McGahee all preseason as well.
Pyro's Take:
This isn't what you would call a shocker, as the writing has been all over the wall for this one for quite some time now. McGahee is an injury-prone headcase, and LeRon McClain has been moved back to the FB position. The doors are wide open for Rice to become a stud this year and should be drafted and used as a high upside RB2 on your team.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Demetrius Williams dropped to the WR4 position behind Kelley Washington to start the season after dealing with various injuries during the preseason.
Pyro's Take:
Williams has the talent, and the speed, but lacks the toughness to stay on the field long enough to show it. If you've been holding onto him on your fantasy team, check the waiver wire and drop him for someone who actually plays.
Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason (illness) is officially active for the game against the Patriots on Sunday.
Pyro's Take:
Mason hasn't missed a game since 2002, and we weren't expecting him to miss this one. He's a decent WR2 for your fantasy football team today.
Ravens No. 1 wide receiver Derrick Mason (neck) took part in drills at practice on Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with a sore neck.
Pyro's Take:
Derrick has played in 110 straight games, so we're pretty sure he won't miss the next one with just a sore neck. Mason is hot right now, so if you have him on your fantasy football team, make sure to start him and ride the streak out.
Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason (neck) is listed as probable on the team's injury report this week despite being limited in practice on Friday.
Pyro's Take:
Mason is one of the iron-men of the league and will play on Sunday. He also happens to be riding a nice little stretch right now, so start him on your fantasy football team if you got him.
Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton (shoulder) was a late addition as probable to the team's weekly injury report. Clayton did practice in full on Friday however.
Pyro's Take:
Our best guess is that someone finally stepped up and kicked his ass for single-handedly costing his team a chance at beating the Patriots two weeks ago. He already had his one good game per year in Week 1, so don't go starting him unless you have to.
Despite rumblings that Baltimore would trade second and fifth-round draft picks to the Chiefs for wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, Ravens beat writer Aaron Wilson claims that "there’s nothing concrete to the rumors".
Pyro's Take:
The Chiefs have very little going for them, so trading away their best player (who is still playing on his rookie contract) doesn't seem like the smartest move right now. Kansas City may indeed stink, but Bowe still has WR2 fantasy football value.
After getting stepped on a few times during the game Sunday, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said that his ankle was sore on Monday, but that the injury itself is nothing serious.
Pyro's Take:
Flacco has grown up in a hurry as he is among the top-10 in the league in most QB categories. However, he has a bye this coming week, and probably shouldn't be started on your fantasy football team against a tough Denver secondary in Week 8.
Wide receiver Joey Galloway was released by the Patriots on Tuesday. He is now an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team in the league.
Pyro's Take:
Galloway was a healthy scratch for the past three weeks, so this news is no surprise to anyone. He could end up with any number of teams, with the Baltimore Ravens heading the list.
Despite missing a 44-yard game-winning field goal attempt on Sunday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh says that kicker Steven Hauschka's job is safe. We’ve got a lot of confidence in him. He’s talented, he’s a great kid, he works hard. Let’s see what happens," said Harbaugh.
Pyro's Take:
He may be safe from John Harbaugh, but can he escape the wrath of LB Ray Lewis? Hauschka's fantasy football value hasn't changed due to the miss, but be sure to check the obituaries the next couple weeks before starting him on your team.
It was initially reported that wide receiver Joey Galloway went to meet with the Chiefs for a tryout after getting released today, but the source who reported the information was misinformed.
Pyro's Take:
Galloway will find a new home soon enough. He may be old, but with age comes experience, something many teams could use a little of right now. Look for the Ravens to give him a call soon, and maybe even the Chiefs... just not today.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (ankle) has decided to take the team's bye week off to rest his swollen ankle.
Pyro's Take:
Flacco had his foot stepped on a couple times in last week's game against the Vikings, but he should be okay to face the Broncos in Week 8. Flacco has (surprisingly) become a fantasy football starting QB this year, so check back with us on his progress.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (ankle) won't practice over the bye week due to soreness in his ankle, but will resume normal activity on Monday. "I could play today if we had to," Flacco said Wednesday. "It's no big deal."
Pyro's Take:
Flacco's ankle will be fine, so no worries there. The big question is if Joey can keep up the fantasy football QB1 type stats he's putting up for the rest of the year. We're betting he can. He's just one of those guys that has "it", whatever that "it" is.
When asked about Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (ankle) and his mobility, Harbaugh said: "I don't know. He looked all right. He's fine. You guys will see him in practice on Wednesday. He's Joe."
Pyro's Take:
There was never really that big a concern over the injury, so continue to start one of the bigger surprises of the year on your fantasy football team.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (ankle) has been a full participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Pyro's Take:
Looks like the bye week did Flacco's tweaked ankle some good. Denver has a great defense this year, but Flacco has been on fire, so go ahead and get him in your fantasy football lineup this weekend.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (ankle) went through a full practice on Friday and is being listed as probable on the team's injury report for this weekend.
Pyro's Take:
Flacco is just fine and has become a starter for fantasy football leagues this year. However, he has a tough match-up against the Broncos on Sunday, so if you have a better or equal option on your bench, you might want to think about starting him instead.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (ankle) has been declared active for the game against the Broncos today.
Pyro's Take:
Flacco has been practicing all week after tweaking his ankle two weeks ago against the Vikings. It's a tough match-up for him going against the Broncos, so if you have another option, you might want to think about going with that in your fantasy football lineup today.
Ravens tight end Todd Heap (ankle) was limited at practice on Thursday but doesn't look to be in danger of missing Sunday's game.
Pyro's Take:
Heap has had a bit of a resurgence this year after falling off the map for the past couple of years. He's not a recommended start for your fantasy football team this week, but you could do worse if your normal starter happens to be on a bye.
Ravens tight end Todd Heap (ankle) returned to a full practice on Friday and is being listed as probable on the team's injury report.
Pyro's Take:
Heap will play on Sunday, but isn't the best fantasy football start this week against the Bengals.
With the way Ravens running back Ray Rice has been playing, the coaches don't see a reason to ever take him off the field.
“It’s hard to refute with what Ray’s done,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You look at that game on offense, Ray was the guy making the plays. So, it’s pretty hard to take him off the field when he’s making the plays. I don’t think it has anything to do with Willis as much as it has to do with the way Ray’s playing.”
Pyro's Take:
Ray has had 20+ touches four games in a row now while fellow RB Willis McGahee has had 12 touches in those four games combined. Basically, there is no RBBC in Baltimore, and Rice has now become a high-end RB2, if not a low-end RB1 play for your fantasy football team.
With the way Ravens running back Ray Rice has been playing, the coaches don't see a reason to ever take him off the field.
“It’s hard to refute with what Ray’s done,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You look at that game on offense, Ray was the guy making the plays. So, it’s pretty hard to take him off the field when he’s making the plays. I don’t think it has anything to do with Willis as much as it has to do with the way Ray’s playing.”
Pyro's Take:
Ray has had 20+ touches four games in a row now while fellow RB Willis McGahee has had 12 touches in those four games combined. Basically, there is no RBBC in Baltimore, and Rice has now become a high-end RB2, if not a low-end RB1 play for your fantasy football team.
Ravens tight end Todd Heap took a couple of big shots to the ribs during Monday's game and is scheduled to undergo tests today to see the extent of the damage.
Pyro's Take:
Heap hasn't made it completely back to his old form this year, but he's definitely improved over his past couple of seasons. He's no more than a TE2 on your fantasy football team and really shouldn't be starting regardless of his new injury.
After throwing an interception Monday night, Browns quarterback Brady Quinn laid a chop-block on Terrell Suggs which has put the Ravens linebacker out of action for at least four weeks. Fellow defensive player Ray Lewis came back at Quinn with this:
"Heck yeah it was a cheap shot... I want to see if he gets the same fine I got or even higher. Now this man is out four or five weeks because of some baloney like that."
Pyro's Take:
If the Browns had any inkling of grooming Brady for the starting job next year, they may want to think again. Our suggestion would be to trade Quinn to the NFC now for whatever they can get as the Ravens will be looking for blood over this one.
The Ravens officially waived kicker Steve Hauschka on Tuesday after another awful performance Monday night against the Browns.
Pyro's Take:
Hauschka ends his short 17-game career with the Ravens going 10-15 in field goals and missing one extra point in 28 tries. Whoop-dee-fuckin-doo.
Baltimore worked out former Jets kicker Mike Nugent and former Cowboys kicker Billy Cundiff last week, so expect them to get another call in the next few days.
The Baltimore Ravens signed kicker Billy Cundiff today to replace the recently released Steven Hauschka.
Pyro's Take:
Well somebody has to kick the ball, and hopefully this guy can get it through those two yellow things right behind the end zone...
Cundiff isn't really fantasy football material.
Ravens tight end Todd Heap (ribs) watched practice from the sidelines on Wednesday.
Pyro's Take:
His status for Sunday's game against the Colts is iffy at this point, but he's hardly playable on your fantasy football team at this point as anything more than a TE2.
Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs told the media on Wednesday that the hook-and-ladder call that got him injured last Monday night was all QB Brady Quinn's call and that coach Eric Mangini had nothing to do with it.
Pyro's Take:
Wow is Quinn in trouble. Not only does the meanest defense in the league (Ravens) want to kick his ass, but now his own receivers want a piece of him, too.
Brady's lucky his team has already played Baltimore twice this season or we'd expect him to lose his "pretty boy" status real quick... and still might if his teammates have anything to say about it.
Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs told the media on Wednesday that the hook-and-ladder call that got him injured last Monday night was all QB Brady Quinn's call and that coach Eric Mangini had nothing to do with it.
Pyro's Take:
Wow is Quinn in trouble. Not only does the meanest defense in the league (Ravens) want to kick his ass, but now his own receivers want a piece of him, too.
Brady's lucky his team has already played Baltimore twice this season or we'd expect him to lose his "pretty boy" status real quick... and still might if his teammates have anything to say about it.
Ravens tight end Todd Heap (ribs, chest) missed practice for a second straight day on Thursday.
Pyro's Take:
He probably wasn't going to start on your fantasy football team anyway, but if he was, you might want to search the waiver wire now just in case he can't go on Sunday.
According to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, tight end Todd Heap (ribs, chest) will be a game-time decision on Sunday against the Colts.
Pyro's Take:
Todd got banged up pretty good against the Browns Monday night, so even if he does play, he's likely to be ineffective and shouldn't be started on your fantasy football team if you can avoid it.
Ravens tight end Todd Heap (ribs, chest) is active and will start against the Colts today.
Pyro's Take:
Heap could be a low-end TE2 on your fantasy football team today, but with his injury likely limiting him a touch, we'd advise staying away if you can.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appeared to be lucid in the locker room after an OT loss to the Chiefs Sunday, but the team will likely put him through the normal baseline tests just to be sure the mild concussion has no lasting effects.
Pyro's Take:
We expect Ben to start next Sunday night against the Ravens, but you'll want to check back with us throughout the week before throwing him in your fantasy football lineup.
According to coach Mike Tomlin, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger passed all of his concussion tests and feels just fine. He is expected to make his normal start this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.
Pyro's Take:
Roeth has been a fantasy football QB1 all year long and should be in your starting lineup this weekend against the beatable Ravens secondary.
After passing a series of neurological tests Monday, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (mild concussion) returned to practice on Wednesday, albeit on a limited basis.
Pyro's Take:
Big Ben will start Sunday night against the Ravens unless he experiences a setback of some sort. If he plays, he's a low-end QB1 play for your fantasy football team this week.
Ravens tight end Todd Heap (ribs) was limited in practice on Wednesday but is expected to play come Sunday.
Pyro's Take:
We can't suggest throwing a banged up normal TE2 in your fantasy football lineup this week, especially against a hard-hitting defense like the Steelers. Sit him if you have another option.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (mild concussion) practiced in full again on Thursday and is expected to make his normal start against the Ravens this weekend.
Pyro's Take:
Sunday night football, prime-time, Steelers-Ravens. Look for Big Ben to put up a nice game as he seems to relish these bright light games. Get him in your starting fantasy football lineup if you got him.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers needed to go in for X-rays after the Thanksgiving day game against the Lions. Rodgers said that his left (non-throwing) elbow and knee are banged up, but that it's more just overall soreness than anything.
Pyro's Take:
Rodgers should be fine as his offensive line did another good job of protecting him today (1 sack, 4 QB hits). He's got a good 10 days of rest ahead of him, so expect the QB1 to be back under center next week against the Ravens.
A league source told NFL.com's Jason La Canfora that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (mild concussion) is debating whether to sit out or play this Sunday night against the Ravens and that he'll make his decision sometime on Saturday.
Pyro's Take:
So that's why he's listed as questionable this week. Big Ben made it through a full week of practice without a setback, so everyone assumed he would just be playing Sunday no matter what.
Check back with us tomorrow and Sunday to see what the final call is before sticking him in your fantasy football lineup this weekend.
Ravens tight end Todd Heap (chest) went through a full practice on Friday and is being listed as probable for the game against the Steelers this weekend.
Pyro's Take:
Heap will play, but should probably be sitting on your fantasy football bench unless you have no other option.
According to Jay Glazer of FOX, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (mild concussion) has decided to sit out the Sunday night game against the Ravens. Glazer also says that Roethlisberger has been suffering from exercise-induced headaches lately, so the team decided it would be best to hold him out for at least this one game.
Pyro's Take:
Not exactly what we were expecting, seeing that Big Ben was doing just fine in practice all week. However, this shouldn't come as much of a shock as injuries to the head tend to be a little tricky.
We'll let you know if this is a for sure thing tomorrow, but for now, make sure you get the big Steeler QB out of your fantasy football lineup.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (concussion) is fully expected to be back starting for the team against the Raiders this coming Sunday.
Pyro's Take:
We suspect Big Ben could have played against the Ravens this past week, but with the beat-down Baltimore tends to give opposing QBs, we're not shocked he was held out. Obviously, it's a bit different against the Raiders D who don't nearly have the same reputation. You can return Roethlisberger to QB1 fantasy football status for this coming weekend.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ribs) took part in a full practice on Thursday and is ready to face the Ravens on Monday Night Football this week.
Pyro's Take:
Rodgers has been a QB1 for your fantasy football team the whole way, so don't stop playing him now just because he's going up against a Ravens D that is sure to blitz him and that crap offensive line all night long.
Packers running back Ryan Grant (shoulder) returned to practice in a limited fashion on Thursday and is expected to make his normal start on Monday Night Football.
Pyro's Take:
We fully expect Grant to play, but he doesn't figure to be the greatest RB2 play for your fantasy football team this weekend against a tough Ravens rush D.
Packers running back Ryan Grant (shoulder) was limited at practice again on Friday.
Pyro's Take:
The Pack doesn't play until Monday night, so they're likely just giving their workhorse a little extra rest. Grant, however, is merely a weak RB2 for your fantasy football team this weekend as he goes up against a strong Ravens rush D.
Packers tight end Jermichael Finley left the Monday Night Football game against the Ravens in the 3rd quarter to have X-rays taken on his knee, but returned shortly afterward with what was being termed a "knee bruise". All indications are that he will be fine for Week 14.
Pyro's Take:
Finley is an absolute beast and has a very bright future in both real and fantasy football. He's said to be 6'5", 247 lbs, but he plays even bigger and has soft hands to boot. Keep an eye on him for next year if you don't have him on your team this season.
Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton left the Monday night game against the Packers with a twisted hamstring and did not return.
“It was hurting,” Clayton said. “I had a twisted hamstring. I didn’t come back after that play. No, I don’t think I’ll need an MRI.”
Pyro's Take:
Clayton seems like he should be fine for Sunday, but check back over the week to make sure. Either way, he's basically unplayable on your fantasy football team.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (shoulder) was sitting on the sidelines at practice today while backup QB Daunte Culpepper took all of the first-team reps.
Pyro's Take:
We're guessing that the Lions play it safe with their prized rookie QB and sit him out for at least this game against the Ravens. There may not be risk of further injury to his shoulder at this point, but why chance a third semi-major injury to your future QB? Sit him on your fantasy football bench regardless.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz announced today that quarterback Matthew Stafford will be getting Week 14 off to rest his dislocated left shoulder and that QB Daunte Culpepper will get the start in his place.
Pyro's Take:
FINALLY a smart move by the Lions! Stafford would have been blitzed constantly by the Ravens on Sunday, and likely punished severely for the mistake of trying to play against them. We expect the same treatment for Culpepper, but at least the Lions don't lose anything by throwing him to the wolves. Either way, sit them both on your fantasy football bench if your have them.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz announced today that quarterback Matthew Stafford will be getting Week 14 off to rest his dislocated left shoulder and that QB Daunte Culpepper will get the start in his place.
Pyro's Take:
FINALLY a smart move by the Lions! Stafford would have been blitzed constantly by the Ravens on Sunday, and likely punished severely for the mistake of trying to play against them. We expect the same treatment for Culpepper, but at least the Lions don't lose anything by throwing him to the wolves. Either way, sit them both on your fantasy football bench if your have them.
Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton (hamstring, knee) is being listed as questionable on the team's injury report and will be a game-time decision this Sunday.
Pyro's Take:
Clayton is barely worth playing on your fantasy football team when healthy, which means stay away this weekend, even against the lowly Lions.
Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton (knee) was made inactive for the game today against the Lions.
Pyro's Take:
Kelley Washington will get garner the targets in his place, though neither of these two are more than a low-end flex play on your fantasy football team.
Ravens running back Ray Rice injured his chest in the game against the Lions on Sunday, but coach John Harbaugh said today that the reason Rice left the game five plays into the 3rd quarter was simply because they were blowing Detroit out and that he could have finished the game if the score was closer.
Pyro's Take:
Big sigh of relief for Rice owners. Baltimore has another favorable matchup for Ray next week as the Ravens stay at home to take on the Bears. Make sure you keep the shifty little RB in your fantasy football lineup for Week 15.
Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton (knee, hamstring) was still missing from practice on Wednesday.
Pyro's Take:
Luckily the Ravens are playing the Bears this Sunday, so their lack of wide receivers shouldn't make too much of a difference. However, even if Clayton plays, he's hardly worth using as a flex for your fantasy team this weekend.
Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (calf) missed practice again on Friday and is listed as doubtful for the game against the Ravens this Sunday.
Pyro's Take:
It doesn't look like Hester will play, so look elsewhere on your bench for a WR3 play this week.
Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton (knee, hamstring) is being listed as doubtful after missing practice again on Friday. He is unlikely to active for the game against the Bears this weekend.
Pyro's Take:
We wouldn't say this gives the Bears a much better shot at winning this game, but it doesn't hurt. Clayton could maybe have been used as a flex for your fantasy team this week, but you won't have to worry about that now.
Steelers rookie wide receiver Mike Wallace bruised his knee in the win over Green Bay last Sunday, but doesn't look to be in danger of missing any practice time this week.
Pyro's Take:
Wallace will be good to go against the Ravens this Sunday, and should be seeing a few more targets come his way from Big Ben considering that Ward is again nursing his hamstring injury. He could be worth a WR3 or flex play on your fantasy team if you need one.
Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall suffered a bruised hip in the game against Green Bay last Sunday but is fully expected to be in the starting lineup this weekend.
Pyro's Take:
Rashard has a tough matchup against the Ravens this Sunday, but it's hard to keep the guy out of your fantasy lineup. Play him as a RB2 this weekend and expect maybe 70-80 yards with a short TD.
Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason is undecided about his future at this point, but has said that retirement is a good possibility.
Pyro's Take:
Mason first said that he was done for sure, but the 13-year veteran came back to say on Monday that he's now 60-40 in favor of retiring, thus forcing the Ravens monetary hand as they desperately need him to stick around next year.
If Mason has indeed played his final down in the NFL, he will have ended up with 863 receptions (14th all-time) and 11,089 yards (23rd all-time).
The Baltimore Ravens announced on Wednesday that they have signed wide receiver Donte Stallworth to a one-year, $900,000 contract that includes $300,000 in incentives.
Pyro's Take:
Not to be too harsh on the Ravens front office or anything, but what the hell are you thinking? Throwing around a million bucks at a guy who was more of a detriment to former teams than an asset, isn't really the best way to go about improving a major position of need.
However, this won't be the last move they make to upgrade their receiving corps, so Balty fans can at least take that to bed with them until the draft in late April.
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