NFL fantasy news and views

We're cruising full speed ahead into Week 2 of the NFL season. It's been a wild week of news, from Tom Brady's ligaments, to Vince Young's grumpiness. There have also been a few new stories that could affect your fantasy lineup this Sunday, such as ...

News: Buccaneers' quarterback Jeff Garcia will miss Sunday's game with an ankle injury. The Bucs will trot out Brian Griese to start against the Falcons.

Views: Something strange is brewing in Tampa. Garcia's injury could be legitimate, but the quarterback says he's ready to play. Coach Jon Gruden has apparently lost confidence in the veteran, and he may be feuding with Garcia. It may take a Sunday stink-bomb from Griese to get Garcia back into the starting lineup.

Verdict: What does Garcia have to do to get some respect in the league? Two years ago in Philadelphia, Donovan McNabb went down for the season and Garcia stepped in to help the team reel off five straight wins, capture the NFC East and win a playoff game. In 2007 he took the reigns in Tampa, a team that went 4-12 in '06, and made the playoffs. Garcia is no superstar -- fantasy or otherwise -- but it's surprising that Gruden would give him the Rex Grossman treatment. Oh, and for fantasy purposes, stay far, far away from Griese this weekend.

Things could get interesting if the rift between Garcia and Gruden deepens to the point where -- and this is still speculation -- Garcia is released. There are a few teams out there who might be interested in a veteran QB with a proven track record of taking teams to the playoffs. (Patriots, anyone?) Stay tuned.

News: Saints receiver Marques Colston will miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left thumb.

Views: Drew Brees will still have a fair amount of weapons in the New Orleans offense. David Patten figures to become Brees' go-to guy, with Devery Henderson the new No. 2, and rookie Robert Meachem in the slot.

Verdict: No reason to downgrade Brees in fantasy leagues. Patten and Henderson get a bump. Ditto for tight end Jeremy Shockey, who, after a relatively quiet opener could soar on Sunday against the Redskins.

News: LaDainian Tomlinsonmisses Thursday's practice with a sprained toe.

Views: Tomlinson says he's fine and will practice on Friday. There's no reason not to believe him.

Verdict: Obviously, you'll want to check Friday's report out of San Diego to ensure L.T. returned to the practice field. Fantasy owners should have Darren Sproles stashed on their benches just in case this season's rash of early injuries spreads to the Chargers' superstar.

News: Vince Young says he's committed to being a professional football player.

Views: Well, that's reassuring. It's been a bizarre week for Young and the Titans to say the least. Kerry Collins will get the start this Sunday while Young recovers from the sprained MCL he suffered in last Sunday's win over Jacksonville.

Verdict: Collins will probably make a few starts while Young heals. It's a chance for Collins to re-establish himself as an effective passer and leader of the Titans offense. Young's fantasy owners should grab Collins immediately, if they haven't already. He has a great chance to exceed Young's numbers -- especially this week, when the Titans travel to Cincinnati.

News: The 49ers place former No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith on the IR, ending his season.

Views: This is also likely the end of Smith's career as a quarterback in San Francisco. He passed for 4,679 yards with 19 touchdowns and a whopping 31 interceptions in three years. Hard to believe he was the highly touted top pick in the '05 draft.

Verdict: Smith will have to catch on with another team if he has any chance of removing his name from the list of spectacular draft busts, which includes the likes of Jeff George and Tim Couch.