FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 9/3/2009 2:58pm et

The Associated Press reports San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles is unlikely to play in the team's final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers Friday, Sept. 4. He has touched the ball 16 times in the preseason, including rushes, receptions and returns, which head coach Norv Turner thinks is enough for Sproles to be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 14 against the Oakland Raiders.

The Huddle Take: This will be Michael Bennett's time to shine even more this preseason, but Sproles should be in no danger of losing his No. 2 RB spot in San Diego. Both Sproles and Bennett should see a good amount of time this season as the Chargers seek to keep LaDainian Tomlinson as fresh as they possibly can.

Posted: 4/28/2009 11:29pm et

ESPN.com, reports San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles signed his one-year, $6.621 million franchise tag tender.

The Huddle Take: Sproles returns to the Chargers just in time to battle starter Ladainian Tomlinson for carries in the San Diego offense. However, fantasy owners should not expect Sproles to produce the same type of numbers as last season unless Tomlinson misses significant time due to injury. Sproles makes for a decent No. 4 or No. 5 running back for depth and is a necessary handcuff if you draft L.T. this season.

Posted: 3/30/2009 3:59pm et

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports contract talks between the Chargers and RB Darren Sproles are ongoing. Sproles will be at the team's offseason conditioning sessions, but will likely sit out minicamp and coaching sessions in May if a long-term deal has not been reached.

The Huddle Take: The Bolts hoped to buy time by using the franchise tag on Sproles and bridge the transition from "all LT, all the time" to whatever lies ahead. If that future includes the Chargers taking a back early in the upcoming draft, Sproles may not wind up with the one-year, $6.2 million payday after all.

Posted: 2/21/2009 12:32pm et

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Chargers RB Darren Sproles will not sign his franchise tag offer immediately, according to a source.

The Huddle Take: Sproles' options aren't exactly varied since he's been tagged; maybe he's waiting to see what happens with regards to LaDainian Tomlinson reworking his deal.

Posted: 2/18/2009 11:39pm et

Updating a previous report, the San Diego Chargers have announced they have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on RB Darren Sproles.

The Huddle Take: The franchise tag indicates that there is still a chance that L.T. may be moved sometime during the offseason with Sproles having proved he can carry the load. Fantasy owners should watch this situation unfold during the offseason and place a high priority on obtaining Sproles especially in Dynasty and Keeper leagues.

Posted: 2/10/2009 11:20pm et

The San Diego Union-Tribune, reports the San Diego Chargers are mulling over the possibility of using the franchise tag on RB Darren Sproles. The team is expected to have in-depth talks with Sproles' agent about a long-term contract during the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Huddle Take: Sproles was a tremendous force for the Chargers down the stretch in the playoffs and showed he could carry the load as an every down back in relief of Ladainian Tomlinson. With rumors swirling that Tomlinson could be headed out of San Diego, look for the Chargers to listen to offers and move one back or the other prior to the start of the 2009 season.

Posted: 1/31/2009 11:37pm et

Updating previous reports, ESPNews reports San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles plans to test the free-agent market.

The Huddle Take: This is Sproles' opportunity for a big payday, and as evidenced by his backfield mate the miles take their toll on an NFL running back so this may be his only opportunity. He may still end up with the Bolts, but he owes it to himself to at least see what his market price is.

Posted: 1/12/2009 1:14pm et

ESPN.com reports San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles' 602 combined total yards is an NFL record for a two-game playoff span. Sproles had 274 total yards in the team's Divisional Round playoff game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Huddle Take: Not a bad item to add to your free agency resume. Sproles may want to gloss over the part where he came up with 15 yards on 11 carries if he's angling for a feature back gig, but as a multi-purpose threat he'll be in high demand this offseason.

Posted: 1/5/2009 12:42pm et

ESPN.com reports San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner said he is concerned about whether RB Darren Sproles will be able to handle getting most of the carries in addition to his returner duties without wearing down. "Yeah there's a concern. He was absolutely exhausted. I know if we had gave him the ball one more time he would have done anything he could to get in the end zone. He's an unbelievable guy and we'll get him a lot of rest this week," Turner said.

The Huddle Take: The easy solution would be to find someone to spell Sproles in the return game, but he's a dynamic weapon and you saw the importance of special teams and field position in San Diego's win over Indy Wild Card weekend. On the plus side for Sproles, as a potential free agent every productive postseason touch adds a few more bucks to the offers he'll receive this offseason.

Posted: 1/4/2009 2:07am et

San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles shined during the team's Wild Card victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Sproles carried the ball 22 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. He also had five receptions for 45 yards.

The Huddle Take: This was a shot in the arm to the Chargers in a great playoff game. Look for the team to use Sproles plenty next week in hopes of lightening the load on LT.