Cut-N-Go is Fantasy Football FanHouse's daily gathering of links from around the web, covering the goings-on in NFL Training Camp which have an impact on fantasy value.In news that surprises no one, disgruntled Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall admitted he's "not close" to being comfortable with the new playbook. According to The Colorado Springs Gazette, Marshall stood with the defensive players on the sideline and didn't take any normal repetitions during 11-on-11 drills at Wednesday's practice.
"There are trust issues on both sides. It's understandable. We've got to try our best to move forward," said Marshall. Does this sound like a man who's anxious to play football in Denver this season? Or even someone you want to spend a high fantasy football draft pick on?
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Coincidentally, the Jets' interest in Marshall cropped up in the New York Daily News, with NFL sources stating the mercurial wideout is on New York's radar. While Marshall is not on the trading block, a move to the Jets seems like a better fit for both Marshall and his fantasy value.
I'm a very big fan of Marshall on the football field. Even before he broke out in 2007, I raved about his talent and opportunity to succeed with Rod Smith aging. Now that we've seen what he can do, there's no question he's a WR1 in fantasy football. But every time we hear about an off-field issue or unhappiness with the team, it makes it harder to take the draft-day plunge. As far as Broncos receivers go, Eddie Royal can be picked later and offers better value. Until Marshall finds a new home, I'm not taking a chance with him as my top receiver.
Other Camp Notes With Fantasy Spin: • As wide receivers get more love in the late-first round, running backs like Frank Gore have sometimes slipped to the second round -- that's steal territory. Gore has wowed at training camp under the tutelage of running backs Tom Rathman. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Gore blew up Raiders linebackers Ricky Brown and Kirk Morrison in blocking drills during an entertaining joint practice. Gore enters the 2009 season in the best shape of his career and appears motivated to return to his 2006 form (2,180 combined yards that season). Let's just save some of that beast mode for the real thing.
The only blockade that might get in Gore's way? Glen Coffee. San Francisco offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has raved about Gore's backfield mate, saying "He has really been exceptional as a rookie running back. He's way ahead of the curve as far as a rookie back in pass protection, which is really unusual." Raye also said that he envisions Coffee as a rugged rusher and doesn't want to feature him as a receiver. Still, Coffee looks like a solid handcuff for Gore owners (Read Matt Snyder's unabridged breakdown for more handcuff advice).
• The Carson Palmer comeback wagon hit a rock (maybe just a pebble). Palmer will miss Thursday's preseason game due to a high ankle sprain, which head coach Marvin Lewis called "mild to moderate." The injury is definitely worth keeping an eye on, but don't bump him down on your rankings.
• When asked whether Matt Cassel has been the best quarterback in Chiefs camp, coach Todd Haley had this Belichick-esque reply: "I'll hold out on answering that right now." Between Dwayne Bowe spending time on the bench and this news, we don't have many reasons to get excited about Kansas City's fantasy options -- aside from Larry Johnson being a bit underrated in mock drafts. I've actually bumped both Cassel and Bowe down a bit on my personal cheat sheet.
I'm sure the depth chart will look like it's supposed to when the season starts. Seriously, Bowe caught almost twice as many yards last year than Devard Darling has in his career.
• Deep-leaguers, remember the name Ramses Barden. The 6-foot-6 receiver out of Cal Poly has been the breakout player of Giants camp. With New York in need of a good red-zone target in Plaxico's absence, Barden could be an even bigger part of the passing game than expected. The rook impressed FanHouse's own Nancy Gay, as well.• T.O. will miss Saturday's preseason game as he continues to recover from a sprained toe. I still don't think it's anything to be concerned about, but I agree with colleague R.J. White that it's Lee Evans who is the undervalued one in fantasy drafts.
• In other injury news, Eagles head coach Andy Reid has been satisfied with Brian Westbrook's progress. Westbrook remains on track to play in the season-opener. And Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery wants to return to the field earlier than expected, but St. Louis is not rushing their top downfield threat back from a broken foot.
• Jaguars receiver Mike Walker has been out 11 days of training camp with an ankle injury, creating an opportunity for Troy Williamson to practice with the first-team offense. Even though Torry Holt is 33 and coming off a disappointing year, he's going to be targeted a lot out of sheer necessity.
