NFL fantasy news and views

It's been another busy week of news around the NFL. Here's what you need to know heading into Sunday.

News: Seahawks receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram will make their regular season debuts Sunday against the Giants.

Views: It's about time Seattle trotted out a couple of receivers people have actually heard of. Obviously, this can only help Matt Hasselbeck and the 'Hawks offense. It's worth noting that Branch is returning from offseason ACL surgery and will probably have his snaps limited for the first couple of weeks.

Verdict: Upgrade Hasselbeck, and feel free to activate Engram in your fantasy lineup, although both could struggle this week against a Giants defense that's tough against the pass. It would certainly be smart to wait a week on Branch before putting him in your lineup, just to ensure he's getting a full workload. Also in Seattle, tailback Maurice Morris may return this week, and he would eat into Julius Jones' carries if he's back on the field.

News: Quarterback Vince Youngreturned to practice with the Titans.

Views: Young sprained his left knee near the end of the Titans' Week 1 win over the Jaguars. He then made news when police were called to search for him. It's been a bizarre month for Young, but getting back to the practice field is a positive step. Of course, once Young is fully healthy, the Titans will be faced with a full-blown quarterback controversy, as Kerry Collins has stepped in and played well in Young's absence.

Verdict: Young will be the Titans backup QB this week, so no need to get him activated yet. It will be interesting to see if coach Jeff Fisher gets the former No. 3 draft pick in the starting lineup as soon as he's healthy, or decides to roll with Collins.

News: Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin has a fractured sinus membrane, and is listed as questionable for Sunday.

Views: That was one scary hit Boldin took near the end of the Cardinals' game in New York last week. We're glad he's OK, and the fact that there's even a slim chance he'll play this week is encouraging.

Verdict: Boldin has been the most productive receiver in the NFL this year for standard-scoring fantasy leagues. He should be re-activated in fantasy lineups as soon as he gets back on the field, although it appears unlikely that will happen this week.

News: Eagles running back Brian Westbrookpracticed on Thursday and his injured ankle continues to improve.

Views: Good news for Westbrook's owners, who are no doubt hoping the versatile back returns to the lineup as soon as possible -- although it still appears more likely he'll return either next Sunday or after the Eagles' bye in Week 7.

Verdict: Last year Westbrook led the NFL with 2,104 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He'll be back on the field as soon as he's ready.

News: Giants receiver Plaxico Burress is suspended for Sunday's game against the Seahawks for violating team rules.

Views: Burress has a history of unexcused team absences. This particular suspension stems from Burress not showing up for work the day after the Giants victory over the Bengals. On Thursday Burress was called out by teammate Justin Tuck, who said the suspension was completely justified.

Verdict: Keep Burress on your bench this week and hope the troubled wideout gets his act together in time to avoid any more suspensions this season.