FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 10/29/2008 12:35pm et

Updating a previous report, the Associated Press, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to start WR Santonio Holmes in their Week 9 game.

The Huddle Take: Holmes was deactivated last week following a run-in with the law. Assuming the league doesn't get more involved in the situation, Holmes returns to wingman duty opposite Hines Ward—though Nate Washington, who replaced Holmes in the starting lineup last week, has been taking looks and deep balls off of Santonio's plate even before last week.

Posted: 10/28/2008 2:32pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he will proceed as if WR Santonio Holmes will play Week 9. Holmes was deactivated by the team in Week 8, but he was not suspended by the NFL after an arrest on a charge of marijuana possession. Tomlin said the team will have no further punishment for Holmes, and he believes the league won't take any action until after law enforcement authorities resolve the criminal process.

The Huddle Take: Tomlin seems pretty sure that Holmes will play. If that's the case, then Nate Washington's value will take a hit this week. The Steelers play in Washington this week, and their secondary will likely be without Shawn Springs.

Posted: 10/24/2008 2:33pm et

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said WR Santonio Holmes will be inactive for the team's Week 8 game after he was cited for possession of marijuana.

The Huddle Take: You would expect an organization like the Steelers to take a proactive stance on this kind of matter, but it's still a bit of a surprise. Bench Holmes, obviously, and consider jettisoning him from your roster completely. If the team takes this sort of action, it's not unreasonable to think a league suspension could soon be coming down. Nate Washington now becomes the most likely candidate to get most of the deep balls thrown by Ben Roethlisberger this week and beyond.

Posted: 10/24/2008 12:09pm et

The Associated Press reports Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes will be charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession after a traffic stop in which police smelled burning marijuana and found marijuana-filled cigars in his car. The charge, possession of a small amount of marijuana, is punishable by up to a year in jail but probation or a fine is common in most cases. Police said Holmes acknowledged having marijuana when stopped and pointed out the blunts to officers.

The Huddle Take: This is unlikely to sit well with the league, and depending on whether or not Holmes is already in the NFL's substance abuse program might result in him missing a game or two—or more—in the near future. Nate Washington is already starting to steal some of Holmes' downfield looks, so the Steelers would seem to be in decent shape should Santonio face a league-mandated vacation; it's not too early for your fantasy squad to start making similar plans, just in case.

Posted: 10/3/2008 9:57pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes (neck) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 3. He is listed as probable for the team's Week 5 game and is expected to play.

The Huddle Take: Holmes ended up with a nice game in Week 4 against the Ravens for the first time in 2008. With Roethlisberger getting pounded due to poor offensive line play, don't expect any consistency out of Holmes or the Steeler offense unless "Big Ben" can get some more time to throw. Holmes should still be considered a solid No. 2 receiver with unlimited upside.

Posted: 9/19/2008 10:10pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Sept. 19. He is not on the injury report and is expected to play Week 3.

The Huddle Take: The Steelers No. 1 receiver Holmes appears to be good to go and should be in line for a nice game as the Steelers battle the Eagles. After the Philadelphia defense allowed Dallas to light up the scoreboard Monday night, fantasy owners should expect more of the same this week. Holmes will make a nice start for fantasy teams regardless of league scoring formats.

Posted: 9/16/2008 3:06pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes (knee) was limited in practice Tuesday, Sept. 16, but his injury is not considered serious.

The Huddle Take: Holmes rebounded from a disappointing Week 1 to have 94 yards receiving against Cleveland. He's a good play this week against an Eagle secondary that was torched by Tony Romo for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Posted: 8/20/2008 8:43am et

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes said he is a bit excited and nervous to be returning punts in the team's next preseason game. He has not done it since his rookie season in 2006. Because he has developed so well as a wide receiver, head coach Mike Tomlin feels comfortable letting him return punts.

The Huddle Take: The Steelers certainly could add another diminsion to their special teams if Holmes handles the return duties for punts on a regular basis. However, it would be hard to imagine Pittsburgh doing this during the season since it will increase the chances of getting Holmes injured. He is unquestionably the top receiver on the team and is poised for a nice year with Ben Roethlisberger throwing him touchdown passes. Holmes should be considered a solid No. 1 recevier with tremendous upside that could reach elite status this year.

Posted: 7/9/2008 3:32pm et

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes said he has worked as hard as he ever has during this offseason and began training in February. Holmes missed a couple of the team's voluntary offseason workouts but feels it was not a big deal. 'If coach wants me there at every OTA, I'll try to make every OTA,' Holmes said. 'But when it comes down to personal and work, sometimes you have to take a day off.' He has been training at Disney's Wide World of Sports with some Steelers teammates and other NFL players. Holmes wants to report to camp at 197 or 198 pounds, a couple pounds heavier than last year, and has added muscle in his neck and shoulders. He has also started wearing weighted gloves to strengthen his hands.

The Huddle Take: Holmes is projected to be a big part of the Pittsburgh offense during the upcoming season. He has the speed and agility to stretch the field and cause problems for opposing defenses. Since he will be working opposite Hines Ward look for both receivers to get their fair share of targets with Ward being the possession receiver and Holmes being the homerun threat. Consider Holmes a solid No. 1 fantasy receiver as he plays for a team that will likely move the chains alot and utilize the passing game even more than last year.