Will Stafford be ready to start in the regular season?

Jul 06, 2009

A few months ago, the Lions said repeatedly they were interested in acquiring a backup veteran quarterback.

Now that all the off-season workouts have been completed, it appears the Lions have put those plans on hold.

Some of that has to do with the progress of Drew Stanton, but most of it has to do with the development of rookie Matthew Stafford. The real issue here is what the Lions are looking for out of their No. 3 QB. Before and after the draft, the Lions talked about adding a veteran backup because they weren't sure how quickly Stafford would be ready. They didn't want to get into a situation where Daunte Culpepper would start the season and then get hurt and then be forced to go with a raw rookie.

That situation has changed. The Lions are now very confident that Stafford will be ready for the start of the regular season (I still think he'll be the starter against New Orleans - or very soon afterward). That changes the role at No. 3 because the Lions don't need an experienced player there.

Fantasy Impact:

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.