Tuesday Sweep: Thanks for coming, Plaxico and Deuce
A quick collection of Tuesday's news items:
•Plaxico Burress was suspended by the Giants today and put on the non-football injury list, ending his season. It's hard to imagine him ever playing for the team again, no matter how much Drew Rosenhaus grovels on Monday Night Football (what a joke that was). Many of you have already snapped up Domenik Hixon; here's your last call for that. Eli Manning has played well without Plaxico this year, so I'm not worried about him going forward.
• Deuce McAllister was part of a big suspension sweep by the NFL today, getting a four-game hit along with teammates Charles Grant and Will Smith; Pat and Kevin Williams in Minnesota; and Texans long-snapper Bryan Pittman (hope that one didn't ruin your day). Pierre Thomas should be owned in any eight-team and up league, even with Reggie Bush back on the field.
• Marion Barber (toe) plans to go Sunday at Pittsburgh, though he might wear a plate on the bottom of his foot to stabilize the injury. DeMarcus Ware (knee) is also planning to be on the field.
• If Ryan Grant plays in Week 14, it will be with a splint on his bad thumb. Brandon Jackson is a different back than Grant - quicker, less physical, better in the pass-game - and makes for an interesting speculation pickup.
• The Miami versus Buffalo game this week is in Toronto and indoors, obviously a boost to anyone who needs a player there. Trent Edwards (groin) looks like a game-day decision, and I'll argue until the cows come home that Lee Evans is better off with J.P. Losman (even if the team isn't).
• Nicked-up players we'll be watching closely this week include: Wes Welker (likely concussion), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (mild concussion), Donnie Avery (hip), Steven Jackson (thigh), Matt Schaub (knee) and of course Clinton Portis (everything).
