FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/2/2009 10:36am et

Marla Ridenour, of the Akron Beacon Journal, reports Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis is planning to retire after the 2009 season. Lewis is leading the team's rushing game with 349 yards on the season, but he is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry and has not scored a touchdown. Lewis said he is becoming increasingly baffled about what the team's offense is trying to get done. Lewis said, "At the beginning of training camp, working as hard as we did, buying into everything that's going on, buying into the system, that's what needed to happen. I think that everybody bought in. That's when you did have a real clue as to where we were going and what we were trying to do. But then once things start going, week after week after week after week, it seemed like a blur."

The Huddle Take: Jamal has accomplished plenty during his NFL tenure; there's no reason for him to suffer through what looks to be a long rebuilding process in Cleveland.

Posted: 10/15/2009 11:12pm et

The Medina County Gazette, reports Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) practiced in full Thursday, Oct. 15.

The Huddle Take: Lewis will likely be back and ready to start for the Browns this week but with Cleveland having so many woes on offense fantasy owners should not expect much from any Browns offensive players. To make matters worse Pittsburgh is the Week 6 opponent and Troy Polamalu could return to action on defense.

Posted: 10/12/2009 11:50am et

Mary Kay Cabot, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, reports Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis had 31 carries for 117 yards during the team's Week 5 game. It was Lewis' first 100-yard game since Dec. 30, 2007.

The Huddle Take: It was a bit of a throwback outing for Lewis, who had missed the previous two games due to injury. One has to wonder how the aging and oft-injured Lewis can hold up to such a workload, especially since future opponents won't offer up as soft a run defense as the Bills.

Posted: 10/7/2009 11:10pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) was limited during the team's practice Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The Huddle Take: While Lewis has been out with the hamstring injury, backup Jerome Harrison has quietly performed very well in relief. Jamal Lewis will likely be a game-time decision for Week 5 and could see just limited action if he does play which would give both Lewis and Harrison a split of the carries for a team that will likely throw the ball more than run.

Posted: 10/1/2009 11:23pm et

The Medina County Gazette, reports Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) missed the team's practice Thursday, Oct. 1, and his status for Week 4 is uncertain.

The Huddle Take: With Lewis still not practicing the veteran running back appears unlikely to be in the lineup come gametime on Sunday. Backup Jerome Harrison is in line to get the start if Lewis remains out of action.

Posted: 9/30/2009 11:15pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) missed the team's practice Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The Huddle Take: Hamstring problems tend to linger and that is exactly what appears to be happening with Jamal Lewis. Expect Jerome Harrison to once again get the start for the Browns if Lewis is unable to play.

Posted: 9/26/2009 11:19pm et

ESPN, reports Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) has been ruled out of the team's Week 3 game.

The Huddle Take: With Lewis ruled out the Browns will likely turn to Jerome Harrison and James Davis in a running back by committee approach in Week 3 against the Ravens. Fantasy owners should temper their expectations for the Browns running game as they face the talented Baltimore defense this week.

Posted: 9/24/2009 11:17pm et

The Medina County Gazette, reports Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis (hamstring) missed the team's practice Thursday, Sept. 24, and he appears unlikely to play Week 3.

The Huddle Take: With Jamal Lewis likely to miss the Browns Week 3 contest with a hamstring injury, backup running backs Jerome Harrison and James Davis are in line to get the carries on offense. Since Cleveland will face the Baltimore Ravens, fantasy owners should temper their expectations with the Ravens having one of the most aggressive defenses in the league.

Posted: 9/18/2009 11:18pm et

The Medina County Gazette, reports Cleveland Browns RB Jamal Lewis (neck) fully participated in practice Friday, Sept. 18. He is listed as probable for Week 2.

The Huddle Take: Lewis appears ready for a steady workload in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.

Posted: 9/7/2009 11:13am et

The Beacon Journal reports Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini said he thinks RB Jamal Lewis has 'a lot to contribute' to the team this year. 'I'm looking forward to seeing him as we go throughout the season,' Mangini said. Lewis, as noted here several times, was speculated to be on the bubble, but remains with the team. 'I think one thing that happens during any transitional time in the league is that there's always speculation on a lot of different topics,' Mangini noted about the reports surrounding Lewis' potential release.

The Huddle Take: Mangini can say whatever he wants, but Lewis' skills have visibly eroded the past couple of years, he's over 30, and has a hot rookie on his tail. It would probably be best for the coach to worry about who his starting quarterback is going to be instead of trying to blow smoke about his running game.