The NFL season is months away, but the news never stops. Here's a look at some of the latest headlines...

COWBOYS CUT ELLIS (Dallas Morning News)
Dallas released Greg Ellis, the team's first-round draft pick in 1998.  A week ago, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones signaled the end of Ellis' time in Dallas when he said the linebacker was free to seek a trade. Because of Ellis' $4.15 million base salary and $1.5 million completion bonus, as well as the belief that he would be cut soon, a trade was not likely...MORE

AGENT: YOUNG HAS NOT ASKED FOR TRADE (Nashville City Paper)
Vince Young’s agent says the quarterback has no desire to be traded from the Tennessee Titans. Young, who told Baltimore television station WMAR earlier this week that he is focused on winning back the starting job in Tennessee, but that if that doesn’t happen, that he would be ready to move on. Major Adams, who represents Young, said his client has not asked for a trade, nor does he have any desire to be moved away from the Titans...MORE

LEAGUE WON'T PUNISH MARSHALL (Denver Post)
Issues remain for Brandon Marshall, but he no longer has to worry about a possible NFL suspension. The NFL notified Marshall's agent, Kennard McGuire, by letter Tuesday that the Broncos' receiver would not be suspended or disciplined because of his March 1 arrest. In that incident, Marshall and his fiancee, Michi Nogami, were charged with disorderly conduct after an argument in the Atlanta area. A court judge dismissed the case the next day...MORE

HARRISON OFFICIALLY RETIRES (New York Daily News)
Patriots safety Rodney Harrison officially announced his retirement and hire by NBC Sports. Harrison will join the "Football Night in America" cast, replacing Jerome Bettis, who will not return. Former Colts' head coach Tony Dungy is also expected to join a cast that already includes Bob Costas, Keith Olbermann, Dan Patrick, and Tiki Barber. Former Bengal Cris Collinsworth has left the studio team to replace John Madden as the color analyst...MORE

RAMS INTERESTED IN VICK (National Football Post)
Assuming he gets reinstated by commissioner Roger Goddell, the Rams have "genuine interest" in quarterback Michael Vick, according to Michael Lombardi. "If (commissioner Roger Goodell) reinstates him, look for (the Rams) to actively pursue him," Lombardi writes. "It makes sense, a new coach with an older quarterback (Marc Bulger) who hasn’t played well. Playing in a dome on carpet would highlight Vick’s speed and athleticism."...MORE

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I continue to breakdown the Rookie Class of 2009 from a fantasy prospective...

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Fantasy Rookie Podcast | First Take (QB/RB)

WIDE RECEIVER
Michael Crabtree (SF) - When he slipped past the Raiders I was thinking he caught a break from a fantasy standpoint. However, landing in San Francisco without a quarterback and in an offense that under Mike Singletary and Jimmy Raye is likely to be a run-heavy, ball-control team didn't help his cause. The top talent hands down, but he slides down my list a bit.

Jeremy Maclin (PHI) - My favorite mix of talent and opportunity of any receiver in the draft. Maclin has the ability to makes plays and will be a nice fit opposite of last year's rookie wideout DeSean Jackson in Philly. Donovan McNabb will be chomping at the bit to get Maclin in his line-up and owners will be too soon enough.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (OAK) - I still am tyring to figure out what in the world Al Davis was smoking on draft day, but that is another blog post altogether. Heyward-Bey has explosiveness and the ability to make plays. His success will depend greatly on JeMarcus Russell and the QB situation in Oakland. I am going to stay clear of any Raiders' wideouts for now.

Hakeem Nicks (NYG) - With Plaxico Burress officially done as a Giant, Nicks will be asked to step into the mix right off the bat. He has the potential to be a solid a WR3 or WR4 for fantasy owners long-term, but I just don't see it happening very quickly, making him better as a long-term option.

Percy Harvin (MIN) - The former Gator is a high-risk, high-reward type of player. The Vikings' quarterback situation is a mess, but I still expect Harvin to enjoy some success right out of the gate. He is going to turn in some huge games and some duds too as consistency will be what holds his fantasy value down.

Juaquin Iglesias (CHI) - With Jay Cutler now in Chicago the team needs to build a solid stable of receivers. Iglesias is a nice start and will have a chance to earn playing time right off the bat. If he can work his way into the Bears' starting lineup early on he has the potential to be the biggest sleeper pick of the bunch.

TIGHT END
Brandon Pettigrew (DET) - Easily the most talented of the tight ends in the draft. If there was any questions surrounding him it would be the fact he plays for the Lions and has history of character issues. Still, he should produce good enough to be a fantasy factor right off the bat.

Chase Coffman (CIN) - He is the Division I record holder for career receptions by a tight end and will be a natural fit in the Bengals' passing attack sans T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Coffman will quickly become a favorite target of Carson Palmer, particularly in the red zone.

Richard Quinn (DEN) - Quinn fits more of the "blocking tight end" bill and finds himself in a cluttered depth chart in Denver. He could surprise early in fantasy football if he ensures a bigger role. His value is higher in keeper leagues though as he likely will go undrafted in most year-to-year formats.

Jared Cook (TEN) - The "tweener" is a nice fit for the Titans' scheme and should get playing time immediately. Tight ends have generally favored well in the Titans over the past decade plus. If he can unseat the aging veteran Alge Crumpler, Cook could produced quick dividends.

IDP ROOKIE RANKINGS
1. DT B.J. Raji (GB)
2. LB Aaron Curry (SEA)
3. LB James Laurinaitis (STL)
4. DE Brian Orakpo (WAS)
5. LB Brian Cushing (HOU)
6. S Patrick Chung (NE)
7. LB Clay Matthews (GB)
8. LB Ray Muauluga (CIN)
9. DE Aaron Maybin (BUF)
10. S Louis Delmas (DET)
11. DE Everett Brown (CAR)
12. LB Clint Sintim (NYG)

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Let's check out some of the latest headlines from Around The NFL:

COWBOYS CUT OWENS (Dallas Morning News)
Wide receiver Terrell Owens, whose future with the Dallas Cowboys has been in question since the off-season began, was cut late Wednesday night, according to a source. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones hinted at Owens' return at a news conference two weeks ago but never definitively said Owens would be back for the 2009 season. Last week at the NFL scouting combine, Jones said the media caught his "drift" about Owens' return but did not elaborate...MORE

LEWIS RE-SIGNS WITH RAVENS (Baltimore Sun)
Ray Lewis, 33, is expected to sign a three-year, $22 million deal with the Ravens, according to multiple sources. The second player ever drafted by the Ravens, Lewis instantly became the centerpiece of the fledgling franchise and developed into one of the best middle linebackers in NFL history. His fiery leadership proved pivotal in building the Ravens from a relocated team in 1996 to Super Bowl champions in 2000...MORE

CARDS, WARNER FINALLY AGREE ON DEAL (Arizona Republic)
After a month of speculation between quarterback Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals, the two parties finally agreed Wednesday morning on a two-year, $23 million contract, including a $15 million signing bonus and salaries of $4 million each year. Including the first year's salary, $19 million of the deal is guaranteed...MORE

HOLT ASK FOR TRADE FROM RAMS (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Realizing he no longer fits in the team’s plans, seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Torry Holt has asked for his release from the Rams, league sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday. The Rams have been shopping Holt, 32, on the trade market, but so far there have been no takers. Holt is due a $1.25 million roster bonus on March 17, so it’s unlikely he will be a Ram beyond then...MORE

L.T. NOT WILLING TO TAKE PAY CUT (ProFootballTalk.com)
LaDainian Tomlinson doesn’t want to reduce his $6.725 million base salary for 2009, and the team doesn’t want to pay him that amount. So even if it means that L.T. will take even less from someone else than San Diego’s best offer on a reduced contract, the mere fact that he’d be taking less — and making less than Darren Sproles, who’s getting $6.621 million — might be enough to get him to force the team to trade or cut Tomlinson...MORE

BENGALS TO SIGN O'SULLIVAN (NFL.com)
Quarterback signings heated up Wednesday and it is likely to continue Thursday. The Bengals are expected to reach agreement with former 49ers starting quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan, who would take the place of Ryan Fitzpatrick, who signed with Buffalo...MORE

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The NFL Network is reporting that Steve Spagnuolo and the Rams have agreed on a four-year contract worth $11.5 million. I was unable to independently verify this information and have no idea if it's accurate.

Spagnuolo, 49, was the Giants defensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008 and came up with the game plan that resulted in five sacks of Tom Brady and a shocking upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Before that, Spagnuolo learned his trade under acclaimed Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, working as an Eagles defensive assistant from 1999-2006. Spagnuolo came out of the Philadelphia experience with a variety of multiple defensive formations and blitz packages that he put to great use with the Giants.

It was reported earlier this week that former Bengals and current Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier would be the front-runner for the job, but in the end it is Spagnuolo that gets the nod.

In New York, news of Spagnuolo's depart was met with regret.

"It's a Rams Shame ... for Giants as Spags Bolts for St. Loo"

That was a headline on the back page in a Sunday edition of the New York Post. Spagnuolo was pictured with huge Rams horns superimposed on his head.

NFL rams, giants, steve spagnuolo, leslie frazier

Former Bengals' and current Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is about to land a head coaching gig. He has been interviewing with several teams this off-season and now appears to be the favorite to land the Rams' job, according to Adam Schefter on NFL.com.

With the team hoping and expecting to announce its decision by Saturday, the leader is considered to be Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. If the Rams were going to wait beyond this weekend, it would be a sign that they were more interested in Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who’s coaching in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Steelers.

Frazier is considered one of the top cordinators in the league, yet was let go by the Bengals as his philosophy clashed with head coach Marvin Lewis'.

He has been impressive in all of his January interviews and was the runner-up to Josh McDaniels in Denver, according to Schefter.

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Here's some notes on the Pro Bowl selections (from Rotoworld.com):

--The Jets led all teams with seven players (Brett Favre, Thomas Jones, Alan Faneca, Nick Mangold, Leon Washington, Kris Jenkins, Darrelle Revis). Favre makes it despite -- brace yourselves now -- leading the league with 17 picks.

--Giants' Kicker John Carney (44) is the oldest Pro Bowler ever.

--After sending eight players last year, only two New England Patriots made it (first-timers Wes Welker and Stephen Gostkowski).

--Tennessee's Chris Johnson was the only rookie selection.

--You may think Joey Porter is a mouthy knucklehead, but he and his AFC-leading 17.5 sacks deserved a spot, while Dolphins teammate…

--...Ronnie Brown simply didn't. 10 TDs (4 in that fluky 'Wildcat-gone-wild!' game) were nice, but he has only three 100-plus-yard games and only one other game topping even 70 yards. Steve Slaton, Marshawn Lynch and even LaDainian Tomlinson deserved it more.

--The Bengals, Jags, Rams and Lions had zero reps. Shocker.

--Notable snubs: Atlanta's John Abraham (3rd in sacks with 15), Philip Rivers (#1 in passer rating/tied for #1 with 28 TDs, and Cutler goes?), Matt Ryan (Eli?), DeAngelo Williams (1,229 yards/14 TDs and they choose Portis?), Calvin Johnson, Brandon Jacobs, Chad Pennington (The Matt Ryan of the AFC…c'mon, Favre?). And Dallas Clark should have edged Antonio Gates.

COMPLETE PRO BOWL ROSTERS

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There is some reason for hope that Rams' RB Steven Jackson may be able to make it back for Week 13's action. The Rams are reeling right now and could really use a spark.  Jackson (thigh) was able to run during workouts on Saturday and Monday, and Haslett was optimistic that he would able to participate in practice on Wednesday.

“I’m optimistic, but I’m not really sure what that means because we’ve said that for the last three or four weeks, but he did look good Saturday and today running,’’ Haslett told the Belleview News Democrat.

Jackson has had a disappointing season after missing most of the preseason in a contract holdout. He has only carried the ball seven times since Week 7's blowup against the Cowboys and has just 4 TD's in seven games this season.

He clearly has the talent to be an elite runner, but the past two seasons have shown durability is a defiinite concern. Look for Antonio Pittman to continue to get the start if Jackson continues to miss time. Stay tuned to see how he fares in practice throughout the week. 

Fantasy Football, NFL rams, steven jackson, antonio pittman, jim haslett

Here are some of the latest headlines from around league heading into Week 11's action:

SAINTS RULE BUSH OUT
It's official, Reggie Bush will be out for Week 11's match-up with the Chiefs. He suffered a minor setback early in the week at practice as he attempts to recover from a MCL injury. Deuce McAllister will get the nod, with Pierre Thomas worked into the mix too. Bush should be back for Week 12's Monday night showdown with Packers.

BEARS EXPECTING ORTON BACK
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Kyle Orton announced after practice Friday that he will be probable for Sunday's game at Green Bay, meaning the Bears' quarterback will return to the starting lineup after missing one game with a right ankle injury. Orton worked with the first team again in the short practice at Halas Hall and will test out the ankle again Saturday in a brief walk-through before the team travels by bus to Green Bay.

RAMS WITHOUT JACKSON AGAIN
Steven Jackson sat out practice again Friday, is scheduled to see a specialist in St. Louis in an attempt to learn why his strained thigh muscle, suffered Oct. 19 vs. Dallas, isn’t responding to treatment, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Antonio Pittman will start for the Rams in Week 11 as the team travels to San Francisco.

BACKFIELD DILEMMAS FOR BUCS
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers listed both Warrick Dunn (back) and Earnest Graham (Questionable) as questionable on the official injury report on Friday. It doesn't appear as if Cadillac Williams is going to come in just to the picture in Week 11. So expect Dunn to be the best bet for touches with Graham getting into the mix on a limited basis. Either way the Vikings' rushing defense is a tough task to handle.

PORTIS HOPEFUL, BUT UNLIKELY
Redskins' running back Clinton Portis (knee) missed practice for the third straight day on Friday, but remains hopeful that he could play against Dallas. Coach Jim Zorn said Portis's chances of playing are only "50-50," but Portis told the Washington Post that his knee has responded to treatment this week. "I've got two days left. I'll be in the training room working, trying to get there." Portis told the paper. Expect Ladell Betts to get the start for the Redskins on Sunday if Portis sits.

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Rams' running back Steven Jackson was optimistic he would be able to play this week, but that does not appear to be the case as he continues to battle a nagging groin injury. Jackson, who already missed Wednesday and Thursday's practice was not on the field when the Rams practiced on Friday.

New head coach Jim Haslett inidcated he would only play Jackson in Week 11 if he participated in a full practice.

The news could be even worse though. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes, "don’t be surprised if Jackson’s strained thigh muscle keeps him sidelined for another week or two."

With the Rams on the road to nowhere, why would they rush him back?

The paper speculates that "RB duties go to newcomers Kenneth Darby and Samkon Gado, with Antonio Pittman (hamstring) a possibility for the rotation. Pittman did some work Thursday and Friday. Travis Minor (concussion) isn’t expected to be cleared until next week." 

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Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...

TREND OR MIRAGE
--QB Ben Roethlisberger (4 games w/out 200+ PaYd) – TREND – The Steelers’ offensive line is struggling and that is not giving him the time needed to make big plays. Expect TD passes, but not much yardage.

--QB Matt Schaub (only 4 TD passes in 3 games) – MIRAGE – Three of those came last week. Houston’s offense is just getting going and Schaub has many multi-TD games ahead.

--RB Ryan Grant (43 carries for 94 yards over past 3 games) – TREND – He’s getting close to getting the dud label, if Aaron Rodgers don’t play the wait will be over.

--WR Lance Moore (14 catches in past two games) – MIRAGE – Don’t get me wrong he’s a nice bye-week filler, but long-term there are too many other options in the offense for him to keep up this type of production.

--TE Todd Heap (3 catches for 37 yards on season) – TREND – Scrap Heap! That’s where this guy belongs. With Joe Flacco at the helm, the longtime fantasy commodity has proven to be useless.

INJURY REPORT
Anquan Boldin (sinus) – A devastating hit against the Jets fractured his sinus. It appears unlikely he’ll go this week, but the team will know more by the weekend. If he goes Boldin remains a must-start.

Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) – It is looking like Green Bay will go with Matt Flynn this week and that means a downgrade for all Packers’ fantasy values.

Steelers RB’s – Willie Parker (knee) is expected to return following the team’s Week 6 bye and first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) has been placed on the I.R. and is out for the season. Look for Mewelde Moore to get the bulk of the action for now in Pittsburgh’s backfield.

BYE WEEKS
Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, NY Jets

VALUE PACK
--QB Jake Delhomme vs. KC: The Chiefs have only allowed 3 TD passes in 4 games, but don’t let those stats fool you. In many games they were blown out. With Steve Smith back in his flow, the Panthers passing game will be productive on Sunday.

--RB  Earnest Graham at DEN:  Only the Rams have allowed more fantasy points to RB’s than Denver has and that should help Graham owners here.

--WR Bobby Engram at NYG: He will see plenty of Matt Hasselbeck targets right off the bat and that means he’s worth a look for a flex option upon his return this week.

--TE Owen Daniels vs. IND: Two straight games with at least 70 yards and at least three catches in every game is enough to make him a weekly starter.

--DEF Cowboys vs. CIN: The unit has struggled for fantasy owners, but with the struggling Bengals’ offense heading to town and possibly without Carson Palmer, Dallas’ D look appealing in Week 5.

**CATCH THE SHOW ON 1530HOMER.COM - Click on Thursday's 4:00 hour (4:30 weekly)**

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