FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 9/10/2009 5:08pm et

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions PK Jason Hanson is expected to handle field goal attempts during the team's Week 1 game, but it is not known if he will handle the kickoffs.

The Huddle Take: If the Lions plan to have someone other than Hanson handle kickoff duties, they'll need to make a roster move in the next couple of days. Billy Cundiff kicked for Detroit during the exhibition season.

Posted: 9/7/2009 11:44pm et

The Detroit News reports Detroit Lions PK Jason Hanson (knee) returned for the team's practice Monday, Sept. 7. Hanson said, "I felt real rusty, but it was a step and a good step. I think my longest (field goal) was in the low 30's just to hit them through and see what happens and see how it feels. At about 85 percent it felt pretty decent."

The Huddle Take: Hanson is of interest primarily because of his 6/6 performance beyond 50 yards last season. He's a very good kicker, and should have more opportunities this year than he did last year, but it is still tough to think he'll play this week. It would be recommended to look for help elsewhere this week and maybe next.

Posted: 9/7/2009 11:53am et

Carlos Monarrez, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said he is uncertain at this point whether PK Jason Hanson will be available for Week 1.

The Huddle Take: At present Hanson is the only kicker on the Detroit roster. If the Lions head into Sunday without adding one, it would be a pretty good indication that Hanson will go... or that the Lions plan to go for two on any PATs.

Posted: 8/24/2009 5:07pm et

MLive.com reports Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said PK Jason Hanson (knee) may not be ready for the start of the regular season after undergoing a minor knee procedure during training camp. 'I think the plan is to get him ready for the opener, but whenever he's ready, he's ready,' Mayhew said. 'If he's ready after the opener, that's great. If he's ready sooner, we'll put him out there.'

The Huddle Take: Hanson is as steady as they get from a Fantasy perspective, but if there's a question as to whether he'll be ready Week 1, you have to downgrade him at least a bit. It's not a good sign that we're still about three weeks out and his status for the opener is already in doubt.

Posted: 8/18/2009 4:07pm et

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports Detroit Lions PK Jason Hanson (knee) underwent a minor knee procedure Tuesday, Aug. 18, according to head coach Jim Schwartz. Schwartz does not know how long Hanson will be out but is optimistic Hanson will return to the field fairly quickly.

The Huddle Take: No worries here. Hanson should still be one of the first kickers chosen in this season's Fantasy draft.

Posted: 2/6/2009 6:55pm et

The Oakland Press reports the Detroit Lions likely will place the franchise or transition tag on impending free-agent PK Jason Hanson if they are not able to sign him to a long-term contract.

The Huddle Take: Hanson has been a Motown mainstay, and the Lions have plenty of other issues to address. So it makes sense to lock down one of the few franchise highlights and go from there.

Posted: 12/14/2008 9:44pm et

NFL.com reports Detroit Lions PK Jason Hanson kicked a 51-yard field goal during the team's Week 15 game. His 41st career field goal of over 50 yards set an NFL record.

The Huddle Take: Well at least the Lions had something positive to happen to them in Week 15 as the Colts sent Detroit to its 14th loss of the season. Hanson has been a solid kicker for the Lions for many years and has been a consistent contributor to fantasy teams this season despite the struggles of the rest of the team. Hanson remains a must-start in Week 16 if you are in the championship game of your league.