My first "live chat" of the season went very well last week-aside from the people complaining that Seinfeld references and Gregg Rosenthal jokes out-numbered "sit or start?" questions-so we're making it a regular Thursday afternoon thing. Today's chat begins at 3:00 p.m. EST, so start thinking about potential excuses for skipping work/class/life and join me by clicking here.
While the Rotoworld bosses ponder my offer to quit writing columns and focus exclusively on a live-chatting reality show that runs 24/7-think Big Brother, but without all the excitement-here are some notes from around football .
* New Orleans' passing attack looked fantastic in Week 1, with Jeremy Shockey joining Marques Colston and Reggie Bush to give Drew Brees a trio of explosive targets. Unfortunately, Colston suffered a torn thumb ligament in the opener and underwent surgery Wednesday, knocking him out for 4-6 weeks. He caught more passes through two seasons than anyone in NFL history, so it's a huge loss.
However, considering that the Saints threw 10 percent more than any other team last year there's zero doubt that coach Sean Payton will continue to have Brees chuck it early and often. He should be able to maintain upper-level QB1 status with or without Colston, although his stats will certainly take a hit. While Devery Henderson will be a popular pickup, David Patten figures to gain more targets.
* Coach Tony Sparano said earlier this week that the carry split between Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams would remain "kind of even" going forward, but Brown worked ahead of Williams at practice Wednesday after taking a relative backseat in Week 1. For now they'll likely continue splitting work, but the situation is worth watching given that Brown's ceiling as a featured back is higher.
Also, Ricky & Ronnie's is now open! Seriously, "cruise on down!"
* Third-round rookie Steve Slaton basically split snaps in his debut, but will get a full workload in Week 2 now that Ahman Green has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Slaton is a good bet for 20-plus touches after 13 carries and three grabs in Week 1, but a very tough matchup against the Ravens will make it difficult to post decent numbers. He's a nice FLEX option, but that's about it for now.
U.S. & World
* Despite playing through a sprained ankle in the season opener, Jeff Garcia has been ruled out for Week 2 and the Bucs will turn to Brian Griese in his place as the local media starts fanning the quarterback controversy flame. While it seems unlikely that Garcia has lost his job, it wouldn't be shocking if he was on thin ice and Griese has an excellent matchup against the Falcons. He's a low-end QB2.
* Dallas Smith left Sunday night's game in the second quarter with a knee injury and the Indianapolis Star reports that he's unlikely to play in Week 2 after sitting out Wednesday's practice. While officially a tight end, Clark often lines up at slot receiver for the Colts and is a huge factor near the goal line, so his absence is a big one. If Clark sits versus Minnesota, Anthony Gonzalez will get a nice boost.
* Damon Huard is back to starting for the Chiefs after Brodie Croyle's separated shoulder, but coach Herm Edwards said Wednesday that Tyler Thigpen will also see action. It's unclear if he's planning a true two-QB system, but Huard's job is obviously far from secure and the Chiefs appear see lots of potential in Thigpen after claiming the seventh-round pick off waivers from the Vikings last season.
Two-Minute Drill: Offensive coordinator Al Saunders explained Torry Holt's paltry two Week 1 targets by saying that the Eagles "doubled him quite a bit" . Devin Hester played just 21 of 61 offensive snaps in Week 1, which is a workload that'll make it very tough for him to be a fantasy asset . Asked why second-round rookie Limas Sweed was a healthy scratch in Week 1, coach Mike Tomlin said: "We're trying to win games, Dallas Baker is better right now" . Chris Baker and the Jets agreed Wednesday to a three-year extension that includes $12.2 million in new money . Cut loose by the Seahawks, preseason standout Justin Forsett was claimed off waivers by the Colts . David Anderson officially moved past Andre' Davis on the depth chart and is the Texans' slot receiver . According to coach Ken Whisenhunt, rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie seeing action at wide receiver is "a definite possibility" . Further weakening an already suspect run defense, the Colts quickly released starting defensive tackle Ed Johnson following his Wednesday morning arrest for marijuana possession.
Red Zone:LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice Wednesday, saying that resting his injured toe was "probably the smartest thing to do" . Coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday that Bobby Engram (shoulder) and Deion Branch (knee) aren't expected back before Week 5, making life difficult for Matt Hasselbeck . Willis McGahee (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, but the Ravens have hinted that he's likely to suit up in Week 2 . Despite leaving Monday night's game with a neck stinger, Darren McFadden is not on the Week 2 injury report . According to coach Mike Tomlin, there's "little doubt" Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, knee) will play this week . Javon Walker (hamstring) looks ready to make his Raiders debut after putting in a full practice Wednesday . Chris Cooley (quadriceps) sat out practice Wednesday for the first time in his five-season career, but indicated that he's in no danger of missing Week 2 . Ben Watson (knee) looks unlikely to play this week after sitting out Wednesday's practice .Jerry Porter (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday and could make his Jaguars debut this week . Alex Smith's season and 49ers career are both likely over due to a fractured shoulder.
