Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur has not been a participan...

Aug 07, 2010

Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur has not been a participant in training camp since last Friday, and he might not return to the practice field anytime soon.

Kaczur has told teammates he has a "significant" back injury that will sideline him indefinitely, and possibly the entire season, according to a report on ESPNBoston.com last night.

Kaczur had been working at left guard rather than his right tackle spot because of the contract standoff between the Patriots and Pro Bowler Logan Mankins. Kaczur left the field early during the third training camp session just more than a week ago and has not participated since.

Patriots spokesman Stacey James declined to comment when reached last night.

With Kaczur on the shelf, Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell have been working at left guard. On Thursday, newly signed Eric Ghiaciuc took some snaps there. Rich Ohrnberger, who was a day-of-game inactive 13 times last season, and rookie Ted Larsen could contribute at guard.

Mankins is not under contract because he has not signed his restricted free agent tender; the Globe has reported that the Patriots have had a deal on the table for Mankins that averages $7 million per season, on a level with the highest paid guards in the NFL.

Fantasy Impact:

Offensive line chaos would not be good for Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and the rest of the New England offense. Hopefully the standoff between Mankins and the Patriots will end.

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Cowboys Beat: TE Jake Ferguson not expected to play Thursday

Nick Harris on X

1 hour ago

Long list here, but this is what I’ve gathered:

Guys I expect to play: Brandin Cooks, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Cooper Rush

Guys I don’t expect to play: Jake Ferguson, Caelen Carson (possible IR), Zack Martin, Asim Richards

Gonna be close: Trevon Diggs, Eric Kendricks, Marshawn Kneeland

Related players: Luke Schoonmaker

Fantasy Impact:

Ferguson didn't practice Tuesday and remains in protocol, while Rush and Lamb both logged limited sessions. Cooks was also limited. Harris expects Rush, Lamb and Cooks to all play on Thanksgiving against the Giants. If Ferguson is out, Schoonmaker makes for a nice option as a replacement TE in fantasy lineups.

QB Daniel Jones has 'leading' choice, decision could come Wednesday

Josina Anderson on X

1 hour ago

A high-ranking league official told me they have the impression QB Daniel Jones has zeroed on a "leading" choice. While another high-ranking league source told me their understanding is Jones "is telling teams tomorrow."

Fantasy Impact:

Jones seems headed for a backup job and the Ravens, Vikings and Bucs seem like teams that could be in the market. There is a report that says Jones has eliminated the Raiders from contention. As the report said, a decision could come Wednesday from Jones.

Saints say WR Chris Olave (concussion) in a good place

Katherine Terrell on X

1 hour ago

Darren Rizzi said that Chris Olave is in a good place.

Fantasy Impact:

The post went on to say Olave was at the Saints practice on Tuesday and that Olave has seen several specialists and has another appointment coming up soon. On IR, the earliest Olave could be back is Week 15, but there seems to be a ways to go before we get to that point. Other reports say Olave may not return this season.