Opportunity Knocks For Losman, Others

October 5, 2008 at 7:16 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

Opportunity Knocks For Losman, Others Former first round pick J.P. Losman lost his starting job to Trent Edwards this season, but injuries can quickly change the picture. Losman had the opportunity to come in and play for the first time this season after Edwards left with a concussion in Week 5. Jeff Garcia, Sage Rosenfels, Seneca Wallace, Brandon Stokley and Tom Santi are others that could see an increased role in coming weeks due to injuries.

Knocked out - Trent Edwards, Opportunity knocks - J.P. Losman: The fifth year man from Tulane actually played pretty well from a statistical perspective in Week 5, after Trent Edwards went down after going 3-3 for 18 yards. Losman completed 15 of 21 passes for 220 yards, including an 87 yard TD to Lee Evans. He also threw for one interception, and got sacked five times. Add to that the fact that Buffalo goes into a bye week, giving Edwards two weeks to heal completely, the fantasy outlook for Losman does not look great. We expect Edwards to be back for Week 7 and for Buffalo’s offense to bounce back against the Chargers.

Knocked out - Matt Schaub, Opportunity knocks - Sage Rosenfels: Well, Schaub barely missed this one, due to a viral infection that hospitalized him Saturday night. Rosenfels started strong, but had two costly turnovers in the fourth quarter that basically handed the game to Indy. Don’t expect there to be a QB controversy in Houston after Rosenfels’ knuckle-headed-ness. Yeah, we know that’s not a word, but it’s the only clean way we can describe how Sage finished Week 5. 246 yards, a TD and a pick aren’t horrible, but aren’t good enough to make us think Schaub’s job is in any jeopardy. Expect to see Schaub next week against the Dolphins.

Knocked out - Matt Hasselbeck, Opportunity knocks - Seneca Wallace: How disappointing is it that on the day when Bobby Engram and Deion Branch returned to the Seahawks’ line-up, Matt Hasselbeck left early with a right knee injury? Well, probably not as disappointing as Seattle’s 44-6 loss at New York on Sunday. We’ll keep you updated throughout the week on Hass’ status, but for now, consider him highly questionable against the Packers next week. Seneca Wallace, who completed three of six passes for 20 yards would be an interesting player to take a look at should Hass be out.

Knocked out - Brian Griese, Opportunity knocks - Jeff Garcia: Griese was 13 of 19 for 88 yards before being knocked out of the team’s Week 5 game with a shoulder injury. Ouch, a shoulder injury for a 33 year old QB doesn’t sound good. Griese was replaced by Jeff Garcia, who tossed for 93 yards, a TD and a pick, while completing 13 of 17 passes. We wouldn’t be surprised if Garcia starts in Week 6, but would have a tough match-up against the Panthers.

Knocked out - Eddie Royal, Opportunity knocks - Brandon Stokley: The Broncos’ stud rookie left the team’s Week 5 game early with an ankle injury, leaving the door wide open for Brandon Stokley to have his second straight solid game. The 32 year old has 13 catches for 132 yards and a score in each of his last two games, and is a great pick up and sleeper start in Week 6 against the Jaguars.

Knocked out - Anthony Gonzalez, Opportunity knocks - Tom Santi: Gonzo left the Colts’ Week 5 game at Houston with a concussion, after catching only one ball for three yards. While this obviously opened the door for Dallas Clark, it also allowed back-up TE Tom Santi to get involved a little more in the passing game. Santi hauled in four passes for 27 yards and a TD with Gonzo out. Don’t expect that again in Week 6, however, as the Colts host the Ravens. Whether or not Gonzalez plays, he’s not a great fantasy option this upcoming week.

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