Gates’ Injury Worse Than Most Think?

April 3, 2008 at 11:23 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

Do dynasty owners of Antonio Gates have cause for concern this season? Our sources tell us that he’s still not right after suffering a major toe injury during the playoffs in January. He was able to play in the AFC Championship game against New England, but the injury has all the makings of being something that nags him throughout all of 2008. Owners should monitor this situation carefully, as turf toe has much worse implications than most realize.

Dan Connor To Start Week 1 - Penn State LB Dan Connor will be on the field for an NFL team on Week 1, according to our sources. Scouts are raving about his recall skills (ability to adjust on the fly during the game due to his ability to recognize similarities to previous offensive schemes), and his overall intelligence. Lofa Tatupu has been one comparison. Connor is a 4-3 MLB, according to our sources, and will go to a team in the first round that needs a starting LB. The Lions, Titans and Jaguars fit that profile.

Tomlin Likes Dallas Baker - Most of us remember a few weeks back when Ben Roethlisberger made a comment about wanting “a big WR.” Well, not only was Hines Ward pissed, but Mike Tomlin apparently already had this “dilemma” all sorted out. Our sources tell us that second year WR Dallas Baker, a 6′3″, 207 pounder from Florida who spent the entire 2007 season on the Steelers’ practice squad, will likely have a serious chance to see the field this year. Deep dynasty owners should keep an eye on him.

Redskins To Target A Large WR - We’ve already reported in this very column that the Redskins are likely to select a WR in the first round of the NFL Draft. Since our initial report a few weeks back, many other sources have confirmed that this is in fact true. Now, it appears Jim Zorn has made it clear that he wants a big WR. Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly, Texas’ Limas Sweed and possibly even Michigan State’s Devin Thomas are possibilities. The Redskins also like 6′5″ Anthony Mix, who they picked up after he was released by the Giants last year.

Favre Not Done? - One of our sources confirmed an earlier report that Brett Favre’s agent has actually been shopping him to other teams. The probability of Favre actually coming back is slim-to-none though, right? Well, the first time didn’t work for Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson - why should it work for Favre? The guy has a passion for the game unlike any other, and if Vinny Testaverde can play in his forties, so can Favre. Ah, no, never mind, there’s no way he’s coming back - right?

Jets To Take QB In Second Round - It’s no secret that Chad Pennington isn’t consistently one of the most effective QBs in the NFL. Also, the verdict is definitely still out on third year QB Kellen Clemens, meaning the Jets are very likely to select a QB with the 36th overall pick in this year’s draft. Delaware’s Joe Flacco has an absolute cannon, and he’ll be someone New York will consider, along with Kentucky’s Andre Woodson, USC’s John David Booty, and U-M’s Chad Henne. Our sources tell us that Henne is likely to be unavailable at 36, so Flacco is likely the guy.

Bengals To Target WR - Upon the recent release of troubled WR Chris Henry, our sources phoned us to confirm that the Bengals will indeed target a WR with one of their first three picks in this year’s NFL Draft. Vandy’s Earl Bennett seems to be a great fit, as he’s likely to be available in Round 2 or 3, and he has the skills to step in and immediately contribute as the franchise’s WR3, then possibly grow into a starter.

Don’t Worry About Grant’s Contract Situation - By now, you’ve probably heard that Ryan Grant will not sign the $370,000 franchise tender that the Packers have a right to offer him. Why should he? The guy is a freaking stud, coming off a career year. Not only should he cash in, but he’ll be worth it. Our sources tell us that the Packers recognize he’s one of the NFL’s most intelligent players - especially at the running back position. The franchise sees him as a leader, and someone they want to keep around for as long as possible. Oh yeah, and Green Bay is $35 million under the salary cap.

Portis In For A Huge Year? - Our sources tell us that new head coach Jim Zorn will implement a very Clinton Portis-friendly scheme, with the intention of getting his 26 year old RB the ball an outrageous amount at the beginning of the 2008 season. Zorn’s spread west coast scheme will open up large running lanes for Portis. Also, the fact that it’ll likely be a tough transition for QB Jason Campbell to make, means that Zorn will call many screens and dump offs to Portis to help his young QB ease into calling plays and make reads in his fourth offense in four NFL seasons. Portis dynasty owners should be pumped about this news, and his keeper owners should definitely keep this in mind when making their decisions this offseason.