FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 12/22/2008 11:39am et

ESPN.com reports Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky will start the team's Week 17 game, according to head coach Rod Marinelli.

The Huddle Take: One more opportunity for Orlovsky to state his case for a 2009 starting job—in Detroit or elsewhere—before free agency and the draft start the quarterback carousel spinning.

Posted: 12/11/2008 11:58am et

The Detroit News reports Lions QB Dan Orlovsky will likely be the team's starting quarterback in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Huddle Take: The Lions don't have a whole lot of options. Orlovsky is still nursing a thumb injury, Daunte Culpepper injured his shoulder last week, and Drew Stanton has been battling a concussion. Drew Henson is still around as well. Okay, so the Lions don't have a whole lot of good options.

Posted: 12/1/2008 9:59pm et

The Detroit Free Press reports Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky (thumb) did not participate in practice Monday, Dec. 1. He said he would be surprised if he were not ready to play in Week 14.

The Huddle Take: While it is unlikely many are relying on Detroit QBs to aid them this season, it is worth noting that in all likelihood Orlovsky will get the nod when he's healthy over Culpepper. Unless something happens and Culpepper starts throwing the ball more to Lion players than the opponent players, he won't be in the game much once a viable option is back on the field. Orlovsky wasn't doing all that bad, in Lion terms, before going out with injury.

Posted: 11/3/2008 2:32pm et

The Detroit Free Press reports Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky (thumb) suffered a sprained thumb in the team's Week 9 game but was able to play in the game. He wore a cast on his thumb as a precaution Monday, Nov. 3. He is not sure if he will be able to practice Wednesday, Nov. 5, but hopes he will be fine.

The Huddle Take: If Orlovsky can't play, then Drew Stanton will likely get the start against Jacksonville. It's unlikely the newly-signed Daunte Culpepper would be up to speed enough to be able to contribute significantly.

Posted: 10/28/2008 6:45am et

The Detroit Free Press reports Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said QB Drew Stanton will not play this season just so the team can evaluate him for the future. He said Stanton would only play if QB Dan Orlovsky was injured or the coaches think Stanton is better than Orlovsky, based on practice and games.

The Huddle Take: It is at least helpful to note that Orlovsky will remain the starter unless he gets hurt or is playing horribly. Neither quarterback here is a desired fantasy starter, however, with injuries throughout the league, they may be called upon, so this helps owners plan.

Posted: 10/20/2008 6:41pm et

The Detroit Free Press reports Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky will get about 80 percent of the team's practice reps again this week, according to head coach Rod Marinelli. QB Drew Stanton will get the rest.

The Huddle Take: It is most likely that Orlovsky will start until he has major issues, though expect the team to start seeing what they have in Drew Stanton before the season is up. Orlovsky maintains minimal fantasy value with the exception of bye week help, though he'll toss up a few long TDs to Calvin Johnson which could be good for owners in leagues that reward long scores.

Posted: 10/6/2008 11:10am et

NFL.com reports Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky suffered a high ankle sprain during the team's Week 5 game. Head coach Rod Marinelli said he does not know the severity of the injury.

The Huddle Take: High ankle sprains are never good, so if the Lions are looking to make a change at quarterback they may need to either wait a couple weeks for Orlovsky to heal—or just turn the reins over to Drew Stanton.