Update: The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Oakland Raiders RB Michael Bush might play in their season-opener against the Tennessee Titans. Bush is recovering from surgery on his left thumb, but Raiders Head Coach Tom Cable said that there is "a real chance" he could play as early as this week.
Fantasy Impact: This will take some pressue of RB Darren McFadden, who would have to take on more of the load without Bush on the field to handle some of the carries. However, this could just be a ploy by Cable in order to give the Titans something to think about.
Update: Phillip B. Wilson of IndyStar.com reports that Indianapolis Colts C Jeff Saturday participated fully in the Wednesday's practice. Saturday underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in August.
Fantasy Impact: Saturday is the Colts most important O-Lineman. He is the key to protecting Peyton Manning and makes sure that the rest of the O-Line is on point. If the Colts hope to improve their rushing attack this season, having Saturday healthy is one of the keys.
Update: Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant will be ready for the regular season opener against the Redskins. Bryant returned to practice last week from an ankle injury.
Fantasy Impact: Bryant is an intriguing option in fantasy this year. It is wise to sit him Week 1 to see how well he adjusts to the offense and what kind of chemistry he shows to have with QB Tony Romo. If he plays well in the opener he could play his way into the starting lineup and be a very good play in fantasy from that point on.
Update: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that New England Patriots WR Randy Moss missed Wednesday's practice with an illness. Moss has been upset recently with the fact that he has not been offered a new contract, so this may just be a way for him to show his displeasure.
Fantasy Impact: The odds of Moss' illness being serious are low, so fantasy owners of the wide-out should not worry about him. He will be one of the top receivers in fantasy this season if he stays healthy and should be a good play every week.
Update: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Minnesota Vikings WR Bernard Berrian will also be the team's primary punt return in the opener against the Saints.
Fantasy Impact: This slightly increases Berrian's value in fantasy, just because it gives him a couple more opportunities to score touchdowns. In fantasy leagues that award points for return yards, this makes Berrian even more playable.
Update: The Buffalo Bills have named a starting running back for Sunday's opener against the Dolphins, and it is rookie C.J. Spiller, the AP reports. Head coach Chan Gailey made the decision today, and said that even if Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch did not miss time because of injuries, Spiller would still likely be the starter.
Fantasy Impact: This is great news for Spiller owners in fantasy. This shows Spiller has gained the trust of the coaches and should see plenty of touches to prove his effectiveness. He still will split time with Jackson and Lynch, but he should get the most opportunities out of the 3 backs. The speedy back could be a great play as a 3rd RB or flex player.
Update: According to Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman was limited in practice on Wednesday where he just participated in a few walk-through reps. Freeman fully practiced on Tuesday, so it is unclear why he was held back Today. Freeman missed some of training camp and preseason with a thumb injury.
Fantasy Impact: Because Freeman didn't fully practice Today may mean he reaggravated his thumb injury. If he is fine and was just held back for precautionary reasons, he still is not a good play in fantasy leagues. There are at least 20 quarterbacks who would be better plays, so playing him would not be wise.
Update: The Miami Dolphins have RB/KR Clifton Smith to a contract, the AP reports. Smith was released by the Buccaneers this weekend.
Fantasy Impact: Smith is being brought in to replace Ted Ginn Jr. in the return game. Smith is a very good kick returner, making the Pro Bowl in 2008 as a rookie.
Update: Andrew Mason of MaxDenver.com reports that Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno is hesitant about his hamstring. Moreno recently returned to practice after missing much of training camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury.
Fantasy Impact: Moreno hopes to play on Sunday, but whether or not he will is unknown at this time. The fact that he is hesitant about the hamstring means that even if he does play, he will likely not get a full work load. It's best to continue to monitor Moreno until Sunday to see if he feels more confident about himself. If he is 100% he would be an easy play in fantasy, but is a risky play at this point.
Update: The Tennessee Titans and head coach Jeff Fisher have said the they would entertain the idea of bringing back DT Albert Haynesworth via a trade with the Washington Redskins, nashvillecitypaper.com reports. Fisher said that although the team is very satisfied with the defensive line in Tennessee, they would listen to the Redskins if an offer was made.
Fantasy Impact: The Titans currently have a no-name defensive line, but one that is very talented. Adding a defensive tackle is not a priority, but upgrading at the position would never hurt. Haynesworth had his best season as a pro in 2008 with the Titans. He had 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Adding Haynesworth would possibly elevate the Titans defense into a top-10 one like they were in 2008.