FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 12/11/2008 12:39pm et

Updating a previous report, The Associated Press reports Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor will miss the rest of the season after tearing ligaments in his left thumb during Week 14. Taylor will undergo season-ending surgery on the thumb and will be placed on Injured Reserve.

The Huddle Take: It's not as if the Jags are still in the hunt, and Taylor sought multiple opinions before hanging it up for the year. Maurice Jones-Drew will get the bulk of the carries the rest of the way, especially with Greg Jones also on IR. Given his age, his salary, and his declining role in the Jacksonville offense Taylor may have played his final game in teal and black.

Posted: 12/10/2008 11:11pm et

The Florida Times-Union reports Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said RB Fred Taylor (thumb) may be placed on Injured Reserve.

The Huddle Take: It is evident that the injury to Taylor is more serious than originally thought and with the Jaguars out of the playoff picture there really is no reason to keep Taylor active and playing. Look for the Jaguars to place Taylor on IR in the next few days and utilize Maurice Jones-Drew as their primary ball carrier for the remainder of the season.

Posted: 12/10/2008 2:58pm et

ESPNews report Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor (thumb) may miss the rest of the season because of a thumb injury.

The Huddle Take: While a blow to Taylor owners, chances are he isn't a starter in many leagues anyway and this is a major boon for Maurice Jones-Drew owners who will get a chance for three weeks to see what MJD can do without having to share carries between the 20's.

Posted: 12/4/2008 10:41pm et

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor practiced Thursday, Dec. 4, and he is set to go for Week 14.

The Huddle Take: Taylor appears likely to play in Week 14 but should be limited in the number of carries he receives if he does in fact play. With Taylor battling injuries this season Maurice Jones-Drew has played a bigger role in 2008 which is likely going to be a precursor to what you can expect from him when the 2009 season rolls around also.

Posted: 11/24/2008 12:00pm et

WOKV.com reports Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor is not happy with his diminishing role within the team's offense and his frustration has nearly reached the boiling point. "I'm just about at that point, but I have to be a professional. I've never been a prima donna," Taylor said. "It seems as if they're trying to clear some space. I'm getting older and not getting the same kind of touches or even playing time. It's not a secret, you can kind of see it going that way." Taylor added that he will play football next season, although he is not sure if it will be in Jacksonville.

The Huddle Take: Taylor's touches, at least in Week 12, were limited in part because the Jaguars were down 14 points less than two minutes into the game. The loss of three regular offensive linemen to injury hasn't helped, and the Jaguars' most talented offensive player—Maurice Jones-Drew—happens to play the same position as Taylor. Freddy's role isn't likely to increase dramatically any time soon, no matter how much he complains.

Posted: 10/12/2008 9:28pm et

NFL.com reports Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor (head) returned to the team's Week 6 game in the third quarter. He had left the game in the first half because of a head injury.

The Huddle Take: Good news for the Jaguars as RB Fred Taylor returned to the field but finished the day with a dismal 30 yards rushing on just 3 carries. He also had 1 reception for 10 yards and 1 fumble on the day. This was certainly not the best of days for Taylor but his running mate Jones-Drew picked up the slack with 22 carries for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 24-17 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 6.

Posted: 9/25/2008 9:46pm et

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor (hand) was limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 25, but he should be OK.

The Huddle Take: Look for Taylor to be ready to go in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. With Jones-Drew also nursing an injury to his ankle, Taylor could see an increased presence in the offense this week. He should be considered a No. 3 running back at the present time.

Posted: 9/7/2008 10:07pm et

The Associated Press reports Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor's streak of five consecutive regular-season games with at least 100 yards rushing was snapped Week 1. He only had 18 yards on nine carries in the game.

The Huddle Take: This is a bit disconcerting in a way. Sure he's a bit old for a running back, but things looked so good last year with he and Jones-Drew splitting time that it was expected to continue at least another year or two. It still may, but for at least one day it looked a little bit like the end could be near for one of the better, yet most frustrating, backs in the league.

Posted: 8/30/2008 11:56pm et

The Miami Herald reports Jacksonville Jaguars RB Fred Taylor was arrested for disorderly conduct outside a Miami Beach nightclub early Saturday morning. Taylor was not taken into custody but was instead released on his own personal recognizance with the promise to appear in court. The exact circumstances as to why he was arrested are unknown.

The Huddle Take: This is a distraction the Jaguars could have done without with the regular season set to begin next week. Taylor has been running in tandem with Maurice Jones-Drew the last couple of seasons but could be facing some type of a suspension by the league which could result in him losing carries. Fantasy owners should still consider Taylor a nice No. 3 running back but Jones-Drew could see more action due to this incident and should be considered the primary back if he wasn't already.

Posted: 1/9/2008 9:41am et

Jaguars veteran running back Fred Taylor was named to the Pro-Bowl team to replace the injured Willie Parker who sustained a broken leg two weeks ago. "He's very excited about receiving that honor," coach Del Rio said. "We're happy for him. Fred's been one of the all-time greats here in Jacksonville. We're very happy for him individually. But I think Fred would tell you he's most excited right now about the opportunity to pursue a championship."

The Huddle Take: Taylor has had a resurgence in his career this season and has been a big part of Jacksonville's success. Even with Maurice Jones-Drew splitting carries with Taylor he has posted Pro-Bowl caliber numbers and should be considered a solid No. 2 running back in 2008 for all fantasy leagues.