FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/21/2009 10:49pm et

The New York Daily News, reports New York Giants LB Antonio Pierce (neck) will likely miss up to six weeks, and possibly longer, due to a bulging disk in his neck. LB Chase Blackburn figures to start at middle linebacker in Pierce's absence.

The Huddle Take: The news continues to get worse for Pierce and the Giants who will more than likely be without his services for the remainder of the regular season. Injuries like this tend to heal slowly which could impact Pierce even into the playoffs this year.

Posted: 11/20/2009 11:43pm et

The New York Giants announced LB Antonio Pierce (neck) as diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck Friday, Nov. 20, and he will be sidelined indefinitely, according to the team's medical staff. Pierce originally suffered a burner Oct. 25 and experienced very little discomfort until practicing this week. Pierce said, "I had no idea that what happened a few weeks ago could keep me off the field. I didn't think it was that serious. I'm going to do everything the doctors tell me to do so I can get back out on the field as soon as possible."

The Huddle Take: The loss of Pierce is a huge setback for the Giants defense which has not played up to its preseason expectations so far this year. With New York battling for the NFC East and a playoff berth the loss of arguably their best defender could make things even harder. Backup linebacker Jonathan Goff will likely get the start in Pierce's place.

Posted: 8/3/2009 2:10pm et

ESPN reports New York Giants LB Antonio Pierce has not been indicted in the case of free-agent WR Plaxico Burress.

The Huddle Take: One less distraction for the Giant defense to have to deal with during training camp.

Posted: 12/8/2008 11:54am et

ESPN.com reports New York Giants LB Antonio Pierce should be on the field for the rest of the season. If Pierce is indicted or charged with something in the shooting involving WR Plaxico Burress—which doesn't appear to be the case—the NFL would let due process run its course before deciding whether disciplinary action is appropriate, sources told ESPN. That means Pierce likely would be active with the team throughout the rest of the regular season and playoffs.

The Huddle Take: The established precedent suggests that you can snort coke in your car and stay on the field, so it would be shocking if Pierce saw any significant discipline in this situation, this year or otherwise.

Posted: 12/5/2008 12:31pm et

The Associated Press reports New York Giants LB Antonio Pierce will talk to investigators Friday, Dec. 5, about the shooting involving WR Plaxico Burress. Pierce and Dr. Josyann Abisaab, the doctor who treated Burress, will be accompanied by their lawyers when they meet with authorities. The authorities are especially interested in why Pierce or Abisaab did not notify police to report the shooting. Police are trying to determine whether Pierce

The Huddle Take: And the saga continues. All indications are Pierce will play this weekend, but there may be at least a slap on the wrist in his future—though the one who really looks to be in hot water here is Dr. Abisaab. Drop Abisaab and pick up Dr. James Andrews if he's still available in your fantasy sports doctors league.

Posted: 12/3/2008 12:14pm et

Updating an ongoing story, the Associated Press reports New York Giants LB Antonio Pierce could still face a suspension for his involvement in WR Plaxico Burress' accidental shooting Friday, Nov. 28. NFL officials said Pierce would appear for questioning Monday, Dec. 1, but he did not appear. Police impounded Pierce's SUV Tuesday, Dec. 2, to look for any blood or gunpowder residue. Following the shooting Friday, police say Pierce drove Burress to the hospital and returned to New Jersey with Burress' gun in the glove compartment of his car.

The Huddle Take: Indications are that Pierce has cooperated with authorities, but failing to show up for question would certainly run contradictory to that line of thinking. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has not always waited for the legal system to weigh in before applying his own brand of justice, so Pierce is certainly not out of the woods yet with regards to the Burress shooting.