Will Carroll

  (3:07 PM)

Hey sorry I'm late. Blame Insight cable being fuzzy. Let's get to this

Scott, Victoria TX

Plain and simple, with Westbrooks knee do I start Tatum Bell.

Will Carroll

  (3:09 PM)

Hey sorry I'm late. Blame Insight cable being fuzzy. Let's get to this

Will Carroll

  (3:10 PM)

I go Bell. With Mike Bell a bit off with the finger (if you were going to start him, start him) and the Westbrook uncertainty, I stay away. The Eagles can use Moats and not lose much.

Big Willy (Charlotte, NC)

Todd Heap is listed as questionable with back....should I seek alternatives at TE? What's the word?

Will Carroll

  (3:12 PM)

Heap has had this problem on and off for a while. It's never really affected his availablity and they face an awful Raiders D. I'd stick with him, though Kellen Winslow is a nice option, available in over half of ESPN leagues.

Parag(Boston)

Whats the latest on Portis and Caddy? If they're both healthy should they both be starting over J.Jones this week?

Will Carroll

  (3:16 PM)

Portis is healthy, but avoiding contact in practice. Caddy, on the other hand, has lower back spasms. I'd rank it Portis, Jones, and Caddy.

Roy, Denver

JWalk and Chambers...will their fingers be an issue? Muhsin instead of JWalk? Thanks.

Will Carroll

  (3:17 PM)

JWalk's -- wait, does anyone really call him that? -- finger is only an issue in that Plummer looked reluctant to throw to him after the dislocation. I think he's fine, just like Chambers. Now, I'd take Muhsin over Walker based on the way the Bears offense looked, albeit against the Pack.

Greg (SPringfield, MO)

Gibbs has already stated that POrtis won't play

Will Carroll

  (3:18 PM)

Outside The Lines is reporting that he could be out. I'm following this, but would be a big change from what sources told me yesterday.

Fred (Shreveport,LA)

What effect with Gallery's calf tear have on Lamont Jordan? My backups are Benson, Norwood, Lundy and Lendale White? It was an ugly play to begin with, but now what should I do? Thanks

Will Carroll

  (3:20 PM)

Can the Raiders get worse? I don't know what we know about Gallery. He swapped sides and is known more as a pass blocker than a run blocker. I've already downgraded Jordan significantly due to being a Raider. I think you have to stick with Jordan there despite the bad Gallery injury.

Chris-CT

Should I pick up Najeh Davenport? I already like his potential in that Steelers lineup, but his injury history scares me. Are his previous injuries just attributed to unlucky breaks or is he injury prone?

Will Carroll

  (3:21 PM)

"Injury prone" is a tough phrase, one that's used a bit too much. I try to reserve it for players that clearly can't handle a given workload and have multiple, unconnected injuries. Davenport hasn't proven that he has the ability to stay healthy through a full season with anything other than a spot back role. Health is a skill, just like speed and power.

Ron (Scranton, PA)

Howdy, Will! Any new updates about when Steve Smith might be ready to go? Last week, I tried replacing him in my lineup with Chris Henry, since Housh was also out, but he rewarded me with only 1 catch for...ugh...-5 yards. Should I replace Henry with Smith's actual Panthers replacement, Drew Carter (who Delhomme looked to a lot last week), or should I stick with Henry vs. the Browns since Cincy may rest Housh one more week before the Week 3 showdown against the Steelers? Thanks, man!

Will Carroll

  (3:23 PM)

I'll leave the replacement question up to Eric, Scott, and Tristan, but Smith is a guy on a lot of fantasy minds this week. His hamstrings are still problematic and with the Panthers as real contenders, the team is likely to be even more conservative than it normall is -- and that's conservative. I don't expect him to produce much this week even if he does dress. I don't even like him for next week.

Adam (Charleston)

I know defense doesn't get much fantasy love but...What is the status of Atl's John Abraham. He had a pretty big game last week in my D player spot but seems to be bothered by a tweaked hammy. Whats the latest? Will Kerney go?

Will Carroll

  (3:26 PM)

Just got word that Koren Robinson will play this week. Between that and the Panthers players that were involved in the steroid scandal there, how is it that no one is saying anything? Ok - Abraham was a big part of why Atlanta looked so good last week I expect him to play, but to be limited. The Bucs looked bad last week, so I'm not sure how much this downgrades the ATL defense for this week.

Greg ( Lansdale, pa)

Any updates on the toes in Tennessee? C. Brown out (yet) or T. Henry riding the pine?

Will Carroll

  (3:27 PM)

Brown has the milder case, meaning he'll get the bulk of carries this week. In the longer term, I'm staying away from both these guys.

Mike, Atlanta

Does Branch have a chance of putting up #'s this week?

Will Carroll

  (3:27 PM)

Branch will not be playing, according to the most recent reports.

Todd (Baltimore)

What about Polamalu's shoulder? Could it be a problem all year?

Will Carroll

  (3:31 PM)

It's definitely a worry. One of his skills is flying around with reckless abandon and putting evil hits on people. If he holds back, will he become more of a cover safety or be just an ordinary guy? He was the difference maker for last season's D with his versatility, so I'll be watching. If he can't heal up in ten days, then yes, this will likely plague him until at least the bye. And since we're talking Polamalu, would someone explain these Nike ads to me? What's supposed to be happening? What are they trying to sell me?

Will Carroll

  (3:31 PM)

It's definitely a worry. One of his skills is flying around with reckless abandon and putting evil hits on people. If he holds back, will he become more of a cover safety or be just an ordinary guy? He was the difference maker for last season's D with his versatility, so I'll be watching. If he can't heal up in ten days, then yes, this will likely plague him until at least the bye. And since we're talking Polamalu, would someone explain these Nike ads to me? What's supposed to be happening? What are they trying to sell me?

Jeff (NY)

Is Jason Elam seriously injured? Do I need to pick someone up?

Will Carroll

  (3:33 PM)

He's listed as probable. Sources tell me that the hip will only be a problem if he's trying to kick from 40 or more. That's easily adjusted for by the coaches and he has a couple days left to get treatment.

Ron (Scranton, PA)

What about T.J. Houshmansdalfkhsdflk's heel? Even though he practiced on Wed, he sat out on Thurs. Will they sit him vs. the Browns to rest him up for the big showdown with the Steelers?

Will Carroll

  (3:35 PM)

I just got off the Sidekick with some Cincy sources and they think Housh will play, but in very, very limited situations. I would not start him this week. I'll be following this one and giving everyone the lowdown on this Sunday's last minute Fantasy Med Check.

JJ (DC)

J. Walker of D. Jackson this week at WR? Both have minor injury concerns.

Will Carroll

  (3:36 PM)

We've talked about Walker's injury previously, so I'll focus on Jackson here. He looked good running and the range of motion issues seem to be in the past. Given that Branch is coming, I think Jackson will have something to prove. I take him over Walker.

Joe (Wilmington NC)

Seeing pros crush high school kids is fun!

Will Carroll

  (3:36 PM)

Ok, then tell me what high school kid decleats LT as he tosses off the pass to the one kid on Briscoe. This is sad. I know the plot and the names. I need to get out more.

Wheels (Chalfont, PA)

Please explain "turf-toe". It sounds like a rug burn as in "Auch I just got turf toe doing my Tom Cruise from Risky Bus. impersonation"

Will Carroll

  (3:40 PM)

That's the problem. "Turf toe" does sound soft. It's a hyperdorsiflexion of the toe, usually the first metatarsophalangeal joint. (See, doesn't that sound much more serious?) It's painful, I'm told, and tends to linger. If you want to know why, tape a rock to the undersurface of your big toe, where it meets the foot. Now walk around. Run. I bet you're really noticing that rock. Turf toe needs a better name. Any suggestions?

Justin (Milwaukee, WI)

Please for once! NEED HELP..Pick 3 beteween Lamont Jordan, Cadillac Williams, Fred Taylor, Antonia Bryant, Greg Jennings, Marques Colston. Thanks in Advance!

Will Carroll

  (3:41 PM)

Here's a couple rules for my chats: 1. Don't beg. It doesn't help. 2. I do injuries. You SO don't want me helping you set a lineup on points. I often think I'm an expert on that, but believe me, I'm better staying in my niche. 3. But since you asked, I'd go Taylor, Jennings, Jordan.

Dan (Minneapolis)

Would you feel confident in playing Cadillac and Portis based upon their injuries this week? Would you put in Dillon or Tatum Bell for either of them?

Will Carroll

  (3:43 PM)

This is a good question. Spelled properly, solid grammar, even some capitalization. It gives me information and options. Caddy and Portis will both be limited slightly when they play this week. Does that make them better options than a healthy Dillon or Bell? You have to look at what you expect. Are you expecting 20 points from Portis? Is 80% of that better than what you think your backups will get? Make sure you're using a good process to get to your lineup. Picking on gut might work sometimes, but it's not a good system.

tosh (nyc baby)

speaking of injuries, any new updates on Curtis Martin? Retirement??

Will Carroll

  (3:46 PM)

I have this on tape. During one of the Fantasy Show pilots, I said that I didn't think Martin would ever play again. Seriously, I have the DVD right here. Speaking of the show, don't you think Bill Simmons' idea for my segment is pure genius? I could use the hot nurses to help illustrate injuries, like the one suffered by Roy Williams ...

Mike (Oklahoma)

How is walter jones? Does his injury last week hurt Shaun's totals versus Arizona?

Will Carroll

  (3:47 PM)

I take it you didn't watch the Show last night where we discussed this. Alexander doesn't run much behind Jones; he actually runs best and most behind Locklear. Jones' sprain might affect Hasselbeck the most. If Jones has trouble moving laterally, he won't be able to keep up with the rip moves or a speed rush to the outside.

Rich (Hoboken)

Care to go into detail about the injury to Roy Williams?

Will Carroll

  (3:47 PM)

Mild groin strain. 'Nuff said.

Jeff Atlanta, GA

With all of the injuries in Carolina, is it logical to expect a reduction in the value of players like Foster and Delhomme?

Will Carroll

  (3:48 PM)

Good question. Sometimes, injuries help a player by making him the best or only option. Other times, it downgrades him because he can be focused on. I'm not sure that Week 1 really changes my values on the Panthers. Research in Pro Football Prospectus indicates that Week 1 is the most random of the year.

Kerry (DC)

Wire story out of Redskins Park has Portis not playing according to Gibbs, though CP thinks he is...

Will Carroll

  (3:50 PM)

The Wire? I have it on Tivo, so don't ruin it for me. Portis and Gibbs played this game last week, so I'm not biting. I'll be following this one closely, but I smell a bit of Mike Shanahan-nanigans here.

Alex (NYC)

Hey Will?are there any backups out there that you think a fantasy owner should try to get right now because the first line guy is too fragile, ala LJ and Priest last year? I got Maroney and J. Norwood for those reasons. Anyone else I should target? Thanks!

Will Carroll

  (3:51 PM)

The "injury handcuff?" DeAngelo Williams is the first name that comes to mind. Musa Smith could fit. Michael Pittman. Does Ronnie Brown even have a backup?

Matt (Grand Rapids)

I watched The Fantasy Show last night for the first time. It was good, very informative. Having Danni around doesn't hurt either.

Will Carroll

  (3:53 PM)

Thanks! We're making this show for YOU, the fantasy players so make sure you tell us what you want to see. And tell a friend or two. NEVER hurts to have Danni around. Here's the cool thing -- if you talk football with her for a while, you'll realize you forget you're talking to an insanely beautiful woman.

Parag(Boston)

I read Simmons' article today and I also that would be great. I also thought that maybe it could be like The Man Show and your hot nurses could jump up and down on a trampaline.

Will Carroll

  (3:54 PM)

*stares blankly ahead for a moment* No, that's just overkill.

Keith (Merrick, NY)

c'mon Will--I know kickers are boring, but please tell me what's the story with Matt Stover this week. Is he going to play ?

Will Carroll

  (3:55 PM)

Same as last week. Sore back, will likely play.

Jason (Ottawa Canada)

The injury to Portis reminds me of Dillon last year. Frustrating to get a straight answer out of the coach. Gibbs downgraded him to doubtful. This is BS...you know he's going to be activated come Sunday. I doubt very much that these games have any affect on the other team so why do they play them?

Will Carroll

  (3:56 PM)

If we were getting some sort of Portis character out of this, I'd feel better about it. Doctor Fixyarightup or something ...

Danny (DC)

Does The Fantasy Show replay anytime over the weekend...need to set my Tivo from now on!

Will Carroll

  (3:57 PM)

Just on Thursdays, I think, though you can catch us on ESPN 360 and Mobile throughout the weekend.

Mike (Oklahoma)

Another D question. With the Morgan out and Witherspoon gone what can I expect from Carolina. I also heard rumors of a possible retirement by Morgan. Any truth?

Will Carroll

  (3:58 PM)

Morgan is a tough one. Recurrent concussions get bad. If you didn't hear Jaws talk about this last night, you missed it. The man understands concussions because he had so many. (How smart was he before?!) Carolina needs Morgan and they're definitely reduced without him, but I don't have a good handle on how much. I hope Morgan doesn't have to retire, but it wouldn't surprise me. Keith Primeau was forced out of hockey this week due to the same problem.

Rich (Hoboken)

What channel and what time is your show on? Would love to see it.

Will Carroll

  (3:59 PM)

We're on ESPN2 at 6.30p Eastern each Thursday. (And we're in HD ... yeah, think of Danni in HD!) There's a replay later that evening, I think at 11.30 but "check your local listings"

billy ( atlanta)

so why are you so biast against Altanta? b/c you have no updates on theri injuries or b/c you look like every otehr fool that picked the Panthers to go to SB?

Will Carroll

  (4:02 PM)

I'm not "biast" against any team, Billy. I didn't even pick the Panthers to go to the Super Bowl. (I'm smart and made no picks!) I will come out and say this now. I have NO biases in the NFL. I root for my hometown Colts, but I'm as critical of them as any team. This is about fact and evidence, not rooting interest until the game is on.

Will Carroll

  (4:03 PM)

And I'm out of time. Sorry for the technical issues at the start. See you next week!