FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 5/16/2013 1:05pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker said it feels like his left shoulder is back to normal and that he will definitely be cleared for training camp.

Huddle Up: Step one for Locker is proving he's healthy enough to withstand the punishment from NFL defenses. However, as stated, that's only the beginning for third-year QB, who still has much to prove beyond that with 10 TD passes, 11 interceptions and an average of 197.8 passing yards per game in 11 career starts.

Posted: 3/25/2013 2:00pm et

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak hinted that running could become a bigger part of QB Jake Locker's arsenal in 2013. "Jake brings that dimension to the game, but you have to be smart about it," Munchak said. "You want to take advantage of all the skills he does have, though it's hard to survive if you're running it all the time. So it has to be a happy medium, and that's what we'll try to find."

Huddle Up: With the read option all the rage and Locker a more than capable runner, don't be surprised to see the Titans add such a package to their offense. Locker banged up his shoulder last season so as Munchak indicated the team needs to be prudent with the amount of running they ask him to do, but a few extra rushing yards would give Locker's fantasy value a boost.

Posted: 1/24/2013 10:29pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker said the only pain he experiences following shoulder surgery is when he sleeps. Locker has to sleep upright in a recliner or on a couch. 'My pain level, I feel fine with it. It doesn't hurt too bad,' Locker said. 'It's just getting used to not being able to use one arm. It's kind of a shock to the system. And the trying to sleep at night, that's the worst part. It's been awful.' He expects to be in a sling until he sees his doctor again in about a month. Locker hopes to be ready for minicamps in June.

Huddle Up: In his second pro season, Locker had 12 total TDs and a pair of 300-yard passing games in 11 games, and he has the makings of a deep fantasy sleeper providing his shoulder issues are behind him.

Posted: 1/9/2013 4:05pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery Wednesday, Jan. 9. The team is hoping he will be able to return by May.

Huddle Up: Locker was banged around in his sophomore season, missing time early on with a shoulder injury before returning to action later in the year. Sounds like he'll return in plenty of time for training camp, and to the Titans' starting gig as well.

Posted: 12/18/2012 12:19am et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker completed 13 of his 22 pass attempts for 149 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in the Week 15 win against the New York Jets. He also ran seven times for 43 yards and a touchdown as he picked up his third career win as a starter.

Huddle Up: Locker had his second-lowest passing-yardage game of the season, but salvaged his fantasy night with his legs. Locker remains a low-end No. 2 QB in most leagues.

Posted: 11/13/2012 12:38pm et

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak said that QB Jake Locker (shoulder) made it through the Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins with no issues with his shoulder. Munchak said Locker played well.

Huddle Up: Locker threw for only 122 yards but tossed a pair of TDs and added 36 yards on the ground. He now gets a bye week to further heal.

Posted: 11/9/2012 1:48pm et

Updating a previous report, Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) has been able to take all of his first-team repetitions in practice this week, and he's fully expected to start in Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins.

Huddle Up: Just some confirmation that Locker will be starting this weekend against the Dolphins. Miami's secondary can be burned, especially considering the talent the Titans possess at wide receiver. The question is whether or not Miami's pass rush will rattle Locker. He is a solid QB2 option this week in multi-quarterback leagues and a decent bye-week fill-in.

Posted: 11/7/2012 7:04pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Huddle Up: It's looking increasingly likely that Locker will return to action Sunday for the first time since Week 3. Stay tuned, though, for further practice updates later in the week.

Posted: 10/31/2012 12:13am et

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak said QB Jake Locker (shoulder) has a slow-healing shoulder fracture which might keep him out until mid-November. The bone at the front of Locker's injured non-throwing left shoulder has yet to heal, and there are indications he also has damage to the labrum.

Huddle Up: Keeping Locker out through the team's bye week in Nov. 18 has seemed like the most likely scenario all along, and that sounds like the minimum now given the updated progress report on the QB's shoulder.

Posted: 10/17/2012 10:21pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) is on track to return to the field in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. He threw short balls as a warmup Wednesday, Oct. 17, and he also took part in individual drills. Head coach Mike Munchak fully plans on reinserting Locker into the starting quarterback job when he returns to full health.

Huddle Up: Matt Hasselbeck gets one more start this week in Buffalo, giving Locker another week to rest and prepare. Locker's last full game -- vs. the Lions in Week 3 -- was easily his best as a pro with 378 passing yards, 2 TDs and 35 yards rushing.

Posted: 10/12/2012 10:21pm et

Updating a previous report, Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak said Friday, Oct. 12, that he is hopeful QB Jake Locker (shoulder) will be able to practice next week and play in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills.

Huddle Up: Suffice it to say that there's now a little less urgency to rush Locker back on the field in Nashville after veteran Matt Hasselbeck deftly guided the Titans to an upset win over the Steelers on Thursday night. Still, if Locker shows he's ready next week, he'll get the start.

Posted: 10/9/2012 7:12pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) could return to play the Buffalo Bills in Week 7. Locker has made notable improvements with his injury.

Huddle Up: Sounds like there's been some real progress made by Locker. Two weeks ago things looked a lot bleaker with the season-ending surgery being mentioned as a possibility for the 2nd-year QB.

Posted: 10/4/2012 12:11pm et

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak said Wednesday, Oct. 3, QB Jake Locker will not suit up as the backup quarterback in Week 5 and is considered day-to-day at this point. "We're going to start Matt (Hasselbeck) at quarterback this weekend and ... (have) given Jake the week off," Munchak said. "Jake's sore today as he was yesterday ... Even though he'll probably be better the next couple days, we don't want to have him suit up as the backup. We felt that if he couldn't start, we'd rather him not suit up ... let him rest the next couple days."

Huddle Up: No surprise here. Locker should be on fantasy benches, and Hasselbeck makes a fringe play at best on the road against an improved Vikings defense.

Posted: 10/2/2012 3:00pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) might miss multiple games after separating his left, non-throwing shoulder for the second time this year in Week 4. The team's medical staff popped his should back into place after the injury, and Locker may need season-ending surgery to fix the issue. Dr. Mike Pagnani said once a player has that sort of injury, it will keep recurring. 'Eventually, the pain will go away,' Pagnani said. 'The risk is, it's going to happen again, and it's probably just a matter of time before it does. He is going to go out there and he is going to get hit wrong and it's going to pop out again. And he'll go through the same scenario where they pop it back in, and he's going to be real sore for a week or two until he ultimately gets it fixed.' Surgery seems inevitable at this point, and there would be a six-month recovery time. The team has yet to decide if Locker will undergo surgery. QB Matt Hasselbeck will take over as the starter this week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Huddle Up: This is a big question hanging over the heads of the Titans, who are off to a 1-3 start. Hasselbeck is a veteran, battle-tested backup, but Locker appeared to be a player on the rise coming off his 378- yard, 2-touchdown passing performance in a Week 3 win over the Lions. Fantasy-wise, though, Hasselbeck's insertion shouldn't make a huge difference either way for the Titans' WRs or RBs.

Posted: 10/1/2012 9:16pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker's (shoulder) injury is very similar to the one he suffered against the New England Patriots in Week 1. 'The MRI was very similar,' head coach Mike Munchak said. 'It popped out, they popped it back in. He is real sore right now, so it is just a matter of waiting a couple of days to see where it is. ... So we'll know more tomorrow or the next day.' Locker was wearing a sling on his left, non-throwing arm after the injury.

Huddle Up: After sustaining the Week 1 seeparation, Locker was able to come back and play in Week 2. No official diagnosis has been made, but this has the feel of an injury that should at least sideline the QB for a week or two.

Posted: 10/1/2012 5:00pm et

Updating a previous report, Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) suffered a separated shoulder in his non-throwing shoulder in the team�s Week 4 game.

Huddle Up: At least it's his non throwing shoulder, still a blow for Locker in his first season as the starter.

Posted: 9/30/2012 7:12pm et

Updating previous reports, Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) separated his shoulder for a second time this season in Week 4. The Titans fear this injury is worse than the first time he separated the shoulder.

Huddle Up: Locker's first separation came in Week 1, but he was able to come back and play the following week. However, it sounds like veteran backup Matt Hasselbeck will be in line to start Week 5 at Minnesota.

Posted: 9/30/2012 3:41pm et

Updating a previous report, Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) suffered a left-shoulder injury in the first quarter of his team's Week 4 game in Houston and did not return.

Huddle Up: Locker, who was replaced by veteran backup Matt Hasselbeck, was later seen on the sideline sporting a sling on his left arm. Locker was coming off a career day (378 passing yards, 35 rushing yards, 2 TDs) in Week 3 against the Lions, but was knocked out of Sunday's game before completing a pass.

Posted: 9/12/2012 5:39pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) said his shoulder felt great during practice Wednesday, Sept. 12, and expects his workload to increase as the week goes.

Huddle Up: The shoulder separation must have been a minor one for Locker. Either that or he is a liar. Locker was having a decent day against the Patriots before going down with injury. If he's healthy, he is a weekly sleeper candidate.

Posted: 9/10/2012 7:28pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) is sore, but head coach Mike Munchak feels good about him playing in Week 2, and he might wear a harness.

Huddle Up: Locker was having a decent game up until his injury, completing 23-of-32 passes for 229 yards, a TD and an interception. Veteran Matt Hasselbeck is one of the league's most capable backups, but the early-week prognosis looks good for Locker starting Sunday in San Diego.

Posted: 9/10/2012 11:13am et

Updating a previous report, Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker said Sunday, Sept. 9, that he plans to play in Week 2 against the San Diego Chargers despite suffering a left shoulder injury in the opening game loss to the New England Patriots.

Huddle Up: The injury--reported to be a dislocated shoulder--is to Locker's non-throwing shoulder so there's a chance he could play this week. But the Titans also have a solid backup plan in Matt Hasselbeck which means they wouldn't necessarily have to rush Locker back into the mix. If Locker is your fantasy starter, at least make alternate plans for the coming week.

Posted: 9/9/2012 5:33pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (shoulder) said the shoulder injury is suffered Week 1 is nothing more than a bruise. He said he has not been told he needs an MRI.

Huddle Up: Locker left early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's opener against the Patriots, and was replaced by veteran Matt Hasselbeck, but this doesn't sound like something that will prevent him from playing in Week 2.

Posted: 8/30/2012 4:54pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker said he wants to see the offense sustain more drives in the final preseason game Thursday, Aug. 30, so they can take that momentum into the regular season. 'In the final week of the preseason we just want to go out and be crisp,' Locker said. 'The last few weeks we've had a few more three-and-outs than we would like so I think we'd like to go out and sustain some drives and move the ball and put some points on the board.'

Huddle Up: Who says the final week of the preseason isn't important? The Titans are among the NFL's highest-scoring teams this preseason with 79 points in three contests, but Locker and Co. clearly want to get in some more reps before the games start actually counting in the standings. By the way, Tennessee's first 4 contests are against the Patriots, Chargers, Lions and Texans, meaning Locker and the offense will be under the gun from the outset to keep up on the scoreboard.

Posted: 8/24/2012 11:13am et

Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker tossed two touchdown passes and threw for 134 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. Locker was named the team's starting quarterback recently and made his home debut as No. 1 on the depth chart. He hit 11 of 20 passes and finished with a 109.2 passer rating.

Huddle Up: Locker's completion percentage isn't going to impress, but he flashed plenty of the ability that made him a first-round pick and earned him the starting gig over Matt Hasselbeck. At this juncture he's not a fantasy starter, but he has plenty of upside as a fantasy QB2.

Posted: 8/23/2012 4:14pm et

The Tennessee Titans coaching staff is hoping QB Jake Locker will be calmer during the final two preseason games now that he has been named the starting quarterback. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer said he wants to see Locker stay composed if things do not go well during the third preseason game Thursday, Aug. 23, and that he does not panic during plays.

Huddle Up: Tonight is the big regular-season dress rehearsal for Locker, who was tabbed as the Titans' starter earlier this week. The second-year QB currently owns an ADP of 24th among quarterbacks and 158th overall, so fantasy GMs are putting him on their benches to start the season and seeing what develops.

Posted: 8/20/2012 11:47am et

The Tennessee Titans have named QB Jake Locker the starting quarterback. Locker is the team's hardest working player, and someone the players look to, according to a team source. The decision to name Locker the starting quarterback is expected to be popular in the locker room.The Titans' plan is to have Locker play roughly three quarters with the starters in the team's preseason game Thursday, Aug. 23.

Huddle Up: The Titans would have preferred Locker clearly win the quarterback battle on the field, but either way this is the right move. Matt Hasselbeck is still a capable backup but looks to be nearing the end of his NFL run, while Locker is the future of this franchise.

Posted: 8/18/2012 12:17am et

Jake Locker started for the Tennessee Titans in Friday night's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing 4-of-11 passes for 29 yards and an interception. Meanwhile, Matt Hasselbeck was 4-of-5 for 29 yards with no TDs or interceptions.

Huddle Up: The duel for Tennessee's starting job certainly wasn't won or lost in this one as both Locker and Hasselbeck struggled. The lackluster statistical performances were odd considering the Titans dominated the game otherwise, rolling to a 30-7 road win. Stay tuned, as the most important preseason game, No. 3, is next up.

Posted: 8/13/2012 7:59pm et

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak said QB Jake Locker will start in the preseason game Friday, Aug. 17. Locker said the starting offense is expected to be in for around 20 plays.

Huddle Up: Does the second-year Locker have an early leg up in the Titans' QB derby? It certainly appears so after Week 1 of the preseason. In Tennessee's 27-17 loss in Seattle, Locker was 7-of-13 for 80 yards and didn't throw a TD or interception. Meanwhile, 14-year veteran Matt Hasselbeck got the start and finished 5-of-9 for 45 yards and two picks against his former team. Round 2 comes Friday against the Bucs.

Posted: 7/25/2012 8:56pm et

Tennessee Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck is listed as the starting quarterback on the team's first unofficial depth chart.

Huddle Up: Don't be fooled. There is no clear starter by a long shot. Hasselbeck's the respected veteran so he gets the gold star on the depth chart... for now.