Crooked Pitch

I wanted to share a few links with all of you. Enjoy!

• Damage Control is an article I write every Monday morning over at FanHouse. It takes a look at injuries from the previous weekend that could have fantasy football impact.
• I also write a daily column at FanHouse called Fantasy Football Cut-N-Go. It’s a link dump as well and today I spoke about the rash of quarterback injuries, Alex Smith wanting to kill Michael Crabtree’s fantasy value, Bruce Gradkowski’s ability to gel with his receivers like JaMarcus Russell couldn’t and a few others. Check it out.
• According to the Associated Press, Calvin Johnson is doubtful for Thursday’s game as is tough-man Matthew Stafford.
• ESPN debunks the theory that  Reggie Bush should be moved to wide receiver.

Reggie Bush has seen his role increase over the past week, but that extra work may have taken a toll on his surgically repaired knee. According to Brett Martel of the Associated Press, the running back will not join the team in Tampa — increasing the fantasy value of Pierre Thomas this Sunday.

Running back Reggie Bush and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis are not traveling with the New Orleans Saints for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.

Bush missed practice this week with swelling in his left knee, the same knee on which he had surgery last December to repair cartilage. Bush is coming off one of his best games of the season in St. Louis last Sunday, when he gained 98 yards and scored two touchdowns on six rushes and a pair of receptions.

Tony Grossi of The Plain Dealer says that Jerome Harrison and Jamal Lewis may start losing carries to Chris Jennings in the Cleveland Browns’ backfield.

Next step in the de-evolution of the Browns’ offense: More Chris Jennings at running back and less Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison.

We saw Jennings, an undrafted free agent signed in August from the CFL Montreal Alouettes, take precious carries away from Lewis on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens.

“We wanted to take a look at Chris because I think he’s earned a look based on the things that he’s done and that was something that we did this past week,” coach Eric Mangini said. “If he continues to progress in practice, I think that will continue to be the case.”

If you play in a fantasy football league that rewards return yardage, Jerricho Cotchery just got a little more valuable. Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News says that Cotchery will return punts this Sunday when the Jets play New England.

They’ll go with Cotchery because he’s the most sure-handed. As far as kickoff returns, it looks like it’ll be Dwight Lowery and Brad Smith again. Recently-signed Justin Miller, benched last week, probably won’t be active. But the coaches raved about his performance at cornerback in today’s practice.

Just wanted to share a few links and such to some FanHouse articles that will help you set your lineups for fantasy football Week 10.

Rankings (Week 10)

• QB
• RB
• WR
• TE
• Defense
• K

Also, here are some injuries to keep an eye on.

In a Q&A with Chiefs head coach Todd Haley, Kolby Smith is brought up as a potential starting running back.

Q: Is Kolby [Smith] come along to a point where he can be the starter?

HALEY: “He’s got four weeks now and that’s almost a training camp. He’s worked really hard so I wouldn’t put it past him. I’m still trying to keep it within reason and not have the expectations too high and understand what the situation is. But I would say Kolby Smith is the type of guy who could surprise you.”

I just wanted to take some time and make everyone aware of a few fantasy football notes from around the interwebs.

• Over at FanHouse I wrote a column called Damage Control this morning about injuries sustained on the field in Week 9. Pay special attention to Clinton Portis’ concussion. He’s been on the radio today sounding very much like he won’t play in Week 10 against Denver, even though he wants to.
• Right tackle Mark Tauscher is going to miss a few weeks with a sprained knee. Allen Barbre will start in his place which is great news for the Dallas and San Francisco pass rush. Keep that in mind when making D/St decisions.
• I also just finished Fantasy Football Cut-N-Go over at FanHouse. It’s out version of a daily link-dump and features news about Chris Johnson being such a beast at running back, Jason Hill forcing his way up the San Francisco depth chart and the Giants crowded backfield.