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Stephania Bell

  (10:59 AM)

Hellooooooo Sports Nation! Happy Friday - welcome to another injury chat. My, my,my there is a lot going on. Where to begin? I'll let you decide....

Huey (San Francisco)

I am wondering the status of Reyes for next season? Leg injuries over and over again... Seems like this recurring problem may limit speed and make him more prone to re-injuring himself in the future?

Stephania Bell

  (11:01 AM)

As in Lewis and the News? Congrats for being the first post AND from SF...Miss it. To answer your question, we really don't know. Sorry - wish I could tell you more - but until we see just to what degree Reyes can recover, it's hard to know what to expect going forward. I will say, in the minus column he has a history of soft tissue injuries that have been slow to heal. At some point that has to impact his speed, and that's a big worry. He's someone we want to watch in the offseason to see just what his activity is.

Dan (Philly)

Do you think that colston is fully healed from his injury and ready to have a big year?

Stephania Bell

  (11:02 AM)

Dan: YES! Drafted him two days ago in our fantasy department draft here at ESPN.

Joey (Tx)

Ok Ive heard a million different reports about Roy Williams. What is really up with him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Joey: I've heard a million too, but the most important is that we're hearing no broken bone. It's being classified as a sprain, which is vague. I'm GUESSING it might be a sprained AC joint (also called a separated shoulder). If minor, not a huge deal, but could keep him down until start of season.

Andrew (WI)

I was about to ask you to provide a complete look at the current Mets injury situation for us, but then I realized you might've wanted the weekend off.

Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Andrew: Ha - funny -the chat is only one hour long...

BryanM (NYC)

What is the status on Pierre Thomas and how serious does his injury look? Will this be of major concern for fantasy owners seeing as how he was rated in the top 20? Will he be ready for week 1?

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

Bryan: Always worry about an MCL sprain and a running back since it impacts lateral movement. If we believe what Payton is saying, it's a minor sprain and they expect him for Week 1. I have to say, if I'm drafting this weekend, it's enough of a knock that it would make me really evaluate where I'm taking him. Because we probably won't really know until it gets close to Week 1 just how well he's doing.

Sean (Hoboken)

Will David Wright come back in this LOST season for the Muts ?

Stephania Bell

  (11:08 AM)

Sean: Sounds like the Mets think he'll return when eligible or just around that time (like first of September), but with concussions, until they're back to doing every activity, symptom-free, there are no predictions or guarantees.

Kevin (Syracuse)

Based on your other chats, in a PPR keeper league league I kept Bowe over Reggie Bush? Good move?

Stephania Bell

  (11:10 AM)

Hi Kevin: I think so. Put it this way. I think Bush will have some SC highlight moves this year. I also think the Saints will use him more situationally (to protect his knee and b/c he's not a feature back) and I also think his knee will give him trouble intermittently, we just don't know when. So you have to not panic when you see him have a great game and know you're making a long-term decision. So as long as Bowe doesn't suddenly blow his knee out.....

John (NY)

Happy Friday Stephania! Jonathan "The Daily Show" Stewart is making me very nervous. Tell me he'll play in Week 1.

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

John: That's clever - nice. I could tell you that...but I wouldn't know if it were true. I love Stewart - but I do NOT love the way this Achilles is hanging around. Neither does he and he seems frustrated and surprised by it. Unfortunately, that's how these soft tissue injuries go, very unpredictable. Could be Panthers are being cautious to try and ensure this does not remain problematic throughout the season, but it's hard to assess when he's not out there doing anything.

Vince (DC)

Is Mike Bell draftable now that Pierre is hurt a bit?

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Yes - and he looked good in his last appearance - you can get him late and he could be one of those good value lower picks.

Mike (Philly)

IS NYJER MORGAN DONE?!?!? And what do you feel the best replacement is for OF - Carlos Gonzalez or Rajai Davis ?

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Mike: YES - WHY ARE YOU YELLING? broken hand - needs about 6 weeks, so yes, done. Davis yes. Carlos is hurting.

Brian (IN)

Hello Stephania. Should I be concerned about Lance Moore's shoulder when drafting? Also do you think that a lot of his success last year was a result of Colston being injured? He seems to be a great value as late as he has been going.

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

Brian: Great question. I was pretty concerned about his shoulder given the extent of surgery and when it happened. However, he does seem to be progressing really well. He probably will play in the last preseason game. I do think his value went up with Colston out and he's quite healthy now. But there's plenty to go around in that offense, so if he's healthy, I think he's a good additional receiver. All about value.

CB (Virginia)

You're an unabashed Niners fan, right? Heard anything about Crabtree's foot and contract?

Stephania Bell

  (11:18 AM)

CB: Yes - and I'm not afraid to admit it. But - haven't heard a word about Crabtree. I assume the foot is fine, but even if/when he does sign, he'll be so behind that it will take a while to get up to speed.

Wes (North CA)

Jake Peavy! What's the update? I am not expecting miracles but been holding on to him a long time and would like to get a few starts out of him.

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Hi Wes in my homeland: I think you will - I expect him to be back in a week or so. He's making a rehab start Saturday and if all goes well, this should be his last.

Jay (NYC)

is it safe to drop Beltran or is there still a glimmer of hope somewhere in awesome opening season for the ny metropolitans?

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Jay: I'm not saying he won't make an appearance, but a) I'm not confident that he will and b) even if he does I'm not confident....

Jeff (Portland, ME)

Looks like Tim Hudson is finally returning to the mound next week. You starting him or taking the wait and see approach? He is lined up to be a two-starter. Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

Jeff: Depends on my choices. If I have the luxury of waiting, I want to see how it goes with first big boy game. He's been very impressive in rehab starts, but keep in mind that it takes a while for guys to perform consistently after this injury. But if he looks good in first game, I'm definitely starting him the second time.

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Another local over here!!!!What's up with Welker? He doesn't seem to be at any practices, listed day-to-day, and the Patriots are mum. I'm getting concerned as he's my WR2.

Stephania Bell

  (11:24 AM)

Hey Jeff in the East Bay...You ought to know better though. It's the Patriots and they aren't saying anything. Hmmm. Nothing new here. I don't have any info on it, but I will say we typically hear if it's a more serious injury.

Matt (Chicago)

Stephania, how about Moreno? Sounds like he'll be ready for Week 1, but more importantly, will he start in Week 2

Stephania Bell

  (11:26 AM)

Matt: Same issue as P Thomas in that he's got a sprained MCL. Denver Post reporting that it's mild and they expect Week 1, but until you see what a guy is doing in practice following this type of injury, it's impossible to say for sure. My guess is if he's out there Week 1, then it's good for Week 2.

Dean (Vermont)

Nothing to worry about with Ellsbury twisting his ankle last night, right? RIGHT? RIGHT?????? (Trying not to panic up here in Vermont, but not succeeding too much) Thanks for chatting!

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

Dean: I hear you - try not to panic...BUT, this is a high ankle sprain, and although the Red Sox are calling it mild and Francona says he thinks he'll play tonight, I want to see it to believe it - and not just play, but be able to move well, run, etc...Hopefully not serious, but I'd be surprised if he's just fine tonight.

Charles (College Park, MD)

Hey Stephania, how's Westbrook looking right now?

Stephania Bell

  (11:31 AM)

Charles: Well, the Eagles keep saying ahead of schedule, but they just announced he will NOT play in the final preseason game...meaning we will not really have a chance to evaluate how he looks before the season. That means another ding on the ranking for me. Now he's not behind, b/c he was never exactly supposed to play before the season, but when they say he might, then decide against it, and we've got very little observation to go on, it makes me a little less confident. Plus -as I've said many times, I don't expect him to get utilized the same way anymore as the Eagles try to protect his health.

Matt (Chicago)

And now we finally know... Stephania is a tease. I thought my Moreno question was legit... what gives?

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Matt: I gave you a legit answer. MCL in a running back is a problem. And until you can visibly see what he's doing, there is no way to guarantee that he's ready for Week 1, 2, 3, etc. Have to assume that Broncos report of mild is true and that he's back Week 1.

Stephania Bell

  (11:36 AM)

Sorry gang - computer issues - I'm back now...

matt (mpls)

Choosing between two injured last year backs, who you like more, LT or Sjax? Who stays healthier ( if you use your injury knowing skills to predict the future, please! )

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Matt in Mpls: If only I could actually predict, I'd be in some town with the initials LV...speaking of initials, I like LT. Really think he is a little bit bothered by the notion that he's done after injuries hindered him last two years. When his toe got better at the end of last year, I saw the same LT. I believe that he's poised for a great season. Really like him. Of course, I can't really see the future.....

Doug (PA)

Any work on Posada for tonight?

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Hi Doug: Assume you meant word on Posada. Nothing official, but it's sounding like the bruised finger keeps him out again tonight.

bobby (big D)

will Donovan Mcnabs value go down since M Vick on the mix?

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Bobby: I don't really think so. I think they're experimenting to see what Vick offers. But McNabb is the leader, make no mistake. And I think the weapons around him, and the options they're going to have (and you know they will be throwing and throwing), make him a great value.

Sam (San Diego)

Louis Vutton has a city?

Stephania Bell

  (11:41 AM)

Sam is funny. But it's Vuitton

Bob (IN)

When will Sandoval play again?

Stephania Bell

  (11:43 AM)

Bob: Love my hometown Kung Fu Panda. He's day-to-day so there's no real projection for his return, unfortunately. That's a big boy pushing off that calf so they have to make sure they're not risking a major tear.

Helen (Vancouver, WA)

Who are the major NFL stars you're wary about who are coming back this year off a major injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:45 AM)

Helen: Welcoming the ladies to the chat. Nate Burleson comes to mind. All the word is good on him so far after ACL surgery, and everyone's excited about the passing potential in Seattle with TJ Housh opening things up, but it's often a struggle in the first year post-surgery, so people need to not expect too much. And if I haven't been clear enough, I am NOT worried about Brady.

Marissa ((Dallas))

Hi Stephania. I lost Johan and I picked up Dice-K because I am in a race for first place. What can I expect from him? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:47 AM)

Marissa: Let's keep the trend going for a bit. Red Sox very happy with Dice-K's progress over the last two months. Sounds like they expect him back in the rotation in early September, although they're not saying when. I think they want to be sure they can get enough solid innings out of him. The innings he's pitched have been solid, but he's not going too deep yet - so I assume they'll want to see that before they bring him in.

Anthony (Cali)

Can you please let me know about Felipe Lopez's foot injury? Is it something I should be worried about? Thanks!

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Anthony: If I'm being honest I don't have a ton of specifics on it. But I think there's reason to be worried. And with the Brewers being as bad as they are, there's no rushing him.

Phil E (NYC)

Did you see Caddy last night? Is it possible that he is fully recovered from his latest knee injury. Still very unlikely for him to stay healthy the whole season, right? He's killing Ward and Grahams fantasy value.

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Phil: I did not see him, but I have to first say that I just admire him working his way back again from a tough injury. I think the history and severity of his injuries would definitely concern me and I wouldn't draft him (he'll definitely be around the free agent pickups later). I actually don't think he'll impact their value much. Ward has moved to the top and I think he's the guy who will get the yardage.

Kris (Savannah)

What are your thoughts on M. Hasselbeck's back this year? Is it the kind of injury that could come right back after 1 big sack?

Stephania Bell

  (11:53 AM)

Kris: I think he's in great shape and he starts well. But will he last? Always a concern for back problems to flare up again, maybe not even from a sack. Remember this all started last year after he took a long plane flight...and there will be a few of those this year.

Barry (PDX)

Good Morning Stephania, great stuff so far, thanks. Why are you so confident about Brady, but worried about EVERYONE else that has knee issues? I know Brady is a Golden Boy, but c'mon...

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Barry: It's simple. He's not a running back or receiver, and he's never been a running QB, so he doesn't face the same issues a RB or receiver would in terms of the agility necessary to return. Also, his surgery was at the very beginning of the season, so he's had extra recovery time and was able to work his way back on an ideal timetable. He had one of the best surgeons in the country, excellent rehab and he has worked exceptionally hard (which you love in a patient). And - he's proven everything I want to see in him returning already, throwing well, moving just fine, taking hits. that's why.

DJ (Charlotte NC)

Thinking about maing a run at your guy FRANK GORE in our auction next week. Think he stays healthy and has a big year???

Stephania Bell

  (11:57 AM)

DJ: Boy do I hope so.... You know I always love Frank Gore's toughness - and now with SIngletary in place from the start, more offensive consistency, I like his chances.

Cory (PA)

Following Jared Allen's take on any potential 'schisms' in the Eagles' locker room, does the NFL need to do a better job with STD education?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

Cory: Clearly. And for everyone else, Cory submitted a correction -he knows it's the Vikings.

Mark (VA)

What are your thoughts on Clinton Portis for this year? Chris Harris says to not draft too high...

Stephania Bell

  (11:59 AM)

Mark: Which I think is reasonable given his history of injury - although he certainly plays through whatever he can. Also, we know he is not going to see third down carries and the Redskins are going to try to protect his health more this year. So hopefully he stays a little healthier, but he will also see fewer touches.

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

OK everyone - time for me to go. Catching a flight to Chicago. Maybe I'll see some of you at the ESPN 1000 fantasy football event. Have a great weekend and stay healthy!!!