New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith appears to ...

Feb 09, 2011

New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith appears to be one step closer to finally serving the four-game suspension that has been looming since 2008, thanks to a court ruling Tuesday in Minnesota.

The NFL hasn't announced whether it plans to proceed with the suspensions of the players involved in the Starcaps saga, including New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith. Smith was one of several players who tested positive for a banned diuretic in the infamous "StarCaps" saga, along with former Saints players Deuce McAllister and Charles Grant and Minnesota Vikings players Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. But their suspensions have been on hold for more than two years while the players have battled the merits of their punishments in the courtroom.

All five players lost their cases and appeals through the federal court system in 2009, but the Vikings players have continued to fight the NFL's ruling in Minnesota state courts.

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled against the Williamses, affirming the state's lower-court ruling that the NFL didn't violate state law by trying to discipline them. The players could still appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court, but it's unclear if they plan to do so.

The NFL hasn't yet announced whether it plans to proceed with the suspensions, but the league has time to make a decision with no games scheduled until September, at the earliest.

Fantasy Impact:

yesterday

Cowboys hope to get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back for Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:55 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said he's hoping Cowboys will get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Cooper Rush will get the start at QB again against the Commanders in Week 12. CeeDee Lamb led the way with 12 targets vs. the Texans, but it was Luke Schoonmaker, who took over after Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, who had 10 targets which was most behind Lamb. The addition of Cooks should help the Cowboys offense in what is a good matchup against the Commanders defense. For the fantasy world, Rush did end up throwing for 354 yards.

Cowboys will start Cooper Rush at QB in Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:48 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said Cooper Rush "will be the starter" this week against Washington and a package of plays will be formed for Trey Lance.

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy came out and said he regrets not giving Lance a chance to run the offense in the loss to the Texans on Monday Night, but even after that the team is going forward with Rush in Week 12 against the Commanders. One would have to assume Rush gets the start the following week as well, which is a short week and a game on Thanksgiving Day game against the Giants.

49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) 'close' to playing in Week 11

The Athletic

yesterday · 3:18 PM EST

Shanahan said George Kittle was “close” to playing against Seattle and should be able to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

It's at least a good sign Kittle is expected to practice Wednesday. The hope is he will be ready to go in Week 12. The 49ers play at the Packers, and it's in the later Sunday window so owners will certainly want to pay attention to what kind of work Kittle can get in this week at practice.