RotoExperts.com delivers all the important player news, with in-depth fantasy analysis, as kickoff times for Week 2 approach.
Quarterbacks
Matt Cassel, Kansas City
Cassel (left knee) is listed as questionable, but he says he is ready to go and might be a game-time decision. Whether he can play or not, the Chiefs would be smarter to wait for a full recovery before risking their $63 million-dollar man, especially considering backup Brodie Croyle played well enough to earn another start. Keep Cassel reserved.
Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia
McNabb (rib) didn't participate in practice Friday and is listed as doubtful. Coach Andy Reid is doing his best Bill Belichick impression by saying if McNabb was feeling better, he could be a game-time decision. Eagle wide receivers have to be considered questionable fantasy starts aif McNabb is out. Kevin Kolb's brief experience must have Reid sweating - in 34 passing attempts last year, Kolb threw four interceptions.
Tony Romo, Dallas
Romo (ankle) pronounced himself ready for Sunday's showdown against the Giants and did not appear on the injury report. Romo could have an even better showing in the home opener than last week in Tampa Bay. The Giants secondary is hurting, as cornerback Aaron Ross will miss the game with a hamstring injury while safeties Kenny Phillips and Michael Johnson are also banged up.
Running backs
James Davis, Cleveland
Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison aren't fully healthy, and Davis (shoulder) is listed as questionable to face the Broncos. We fully expect him to own the starting running back job once he is healthy and back to full form, but for now you can leave Davis on your bench, or on the waiver wire.
Justin Fargas, Oakland
Fargas (hamstring) practiced with no restrictions this week and is expected to play on Sunday. The Raiders offense is chugging along nicely with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, so don't expect Fargas to have a significant impact in this weekend's game.
Felix Jones, Dallas
Jones (thigh) practiced without incident and looks ready to go against the New York Giants. Coach Wade Phillips said Jones "didn't look bothered at all," according to a report in the Dallas Morning News. Jones was limited in the Tampa Bay game and only had six carries. Expect him to get between 10-15 touches against the Giants, which makes him a viable flex play.
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
Stewart (heel) is listed as probable for the Panthers' game against Atlanta. He is expected to reprise his normal role, sharing duties with DeAngelo Williams. Carolina will be intent on not starting the season 0-2 and will try to set the tone early by establishing the running game. That will help Jake Delhomme regain some confidence after last week's debacle. Consider him a flex option in larger leagues.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
Thomas (knee) is listed as questionable and was limited in practice Friday. He said he is ready to play this weekend, as he's obviously concerned about losing his starting job to Mike Bell. According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Saints aren't likely to risk playing Thomas when he isn't 100 percent. Keep him on your bench and consider Bell a viable start as a second running back.
LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego
Tomlinson (ankle) has already been ruled out for Sunday. Owners who picked him in the first round likely didn't buy into the statistics showing that running backs, especially those with considerable mileage, are high risks as they approach and exceed the age of 30. Darren Sproles' value increases significantly, and Michael Bennett has some limited appeal.
Wide Receivers
Anquan Boldin, Arizona
Boldin (hamstring) is listed as questionable after having been limited in practice. With teammate Steve Breaston also listed as questionable, the Cardinals' passing game is not looking good, especially on a cross-country trip to Jacksonville. Jerheme Urban and Early Doucet would likely benefit with increased playing time, but neither can be recommended as fantasy options.
Steve Breaston, Arizona
Breaston (knee) was back at practice on a limited basis Friday and is listed as questionable to face the Jaguars. Last week, Breaston was reported as probable but didn't play. Even though he is expected to play, it is best to sit him this week.
Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay
Bryant (knee) left the opener against Dallas, and coach Raheem Morris told TBO.com that Bryant is "doubtful" to face the Bills. He missed the preseason recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus and was suffering from knee fatigue. Michael Clayton is a worthwhile pickup and should provide decent numbers as a second wide receiver for fantasy owners.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle
According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Houshmandzadeh (back spasms) is listed as probable after practicing Friday. Start him with confidence.
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
Jackson (groin) practiced this week and will start against New Orleans. It's hard to imagine sitting him, but if you have a viable replacement you might want to consider it. McNabb isn't expected to play and his backup, Kolb, has few reps with the first-string offense.
Wes Welker, New England
Welker (knee) is listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week. However, he was listed in the same fashion last week only to haul in 12 passes in a win over Buffalo. Despite his status, expect Welker to be a full go.
Kevin Walter, Houston
Tight Ends
Bo Scaife, Tennessee
Scaife (knee) has not practiced this week and was listed as doubtful in Friday's injury report. Alge Crumpler will likely take his place and is worth a start if you are desperate for a tight end.
Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans
Shockey (ankle) was limited in Friday's practice after missing Wednesday and Thursday's workouts. However, the team expects Shockey to play this weekend in Philadelphia. After an injury-filled 2008 campaign, Shockey and Drew Brees seem to have found a groove.
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