Forsythe was a forgotten man in San Diego due to his spring foot injury and Jedd Gyorko's move to second base, but getting a chance with Gyorko absent, he's gone 9-for-28 so far and demonstrated why he still belongs in the Padres' plans going forward. He'll probably play some outfield after Gyorko returns.
Logan Forsythe homers against Giants
Logan Forsythe | SD
(June 19, 2013 1:33 AM EDT)
Logan Forsythe went 2-for-4 and hit his second homer as the Padres' leadoff man on Tuesday.
Vick Ballard to be Colts' No. 2 running back
Vick Ballard | IND
(June 18, 2013 10:54 PM EDT)
Vick Ballard is expected to open the season as the Colts' No. 2 back.
The Ahmad Bradshaw signing was a clear indication of GM Ryan Grigson's feelings about his running back corps; he recognized it wasn't good enough with Ballard in the lead role. Ballard will be no more than a low-end flex pick in fantasy drafts. In his AFC Team-by-Team Notes column accessible at the link below, Rotoworld's Evan Silva breaks down the Colts' projected 2013 backfield.
Source:
AFC Team-by-Team Notes
Arians expects D-Wash to play in 2013
Daryl Washington | ARZ
(June 18, 2013 10:32 PM EDT)
Speaking in a Tuesday radio interview, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians hinted he expects suspended ILB Daryl Washington to play this season, but acknowledged he's walking a "very thin line."
Arians said Washington's fate is "all up to him," and that his recent troubles have "(thrown) a red flag out" with the organization. Suspended four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, Washington could get a longer ban if his domestic assault case is settled before Week 1. One of the league's best young defenders, Washington's presence is going to be sorely missed in Weeks 1-4.
Source:
Alex Marvez on Twitter
Arians: LT Levi Brown 'very rusty'
Levi Brown | ARZ
(June 18, 2013 8:55 PM EDT)
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says LT Levi Brown (triceps) was "very rusty" in minicamp, but that his "skills are still there."
That implies Brown's skills were there before he missed all of 2012 with a torn triceps, but we digress. Arians added that he was "extremely high" on second-year pro Nate Potter, so perhaps blindside duties won't be gifted to Brown after all. Brown hasn't been an effective player through his first 77 career games.
Source:
Alex Marvez on Twitter
Jason Smith a 'sleeper' for left tackle job?
Jason Smith | NO
(June 18, 2013 7:24 PM EDT)
The New Orleans Times-Picayune considers Jason Smith a "sleeper" for the Saints' left tackle job.
We'll call him a deep sleeper. A deep, deep, deep one. Smith is "competing" with Charles Brown and third-rounder Terron Armstead, but is a distant third. Smith did get some first-team reps in OTAs, but he isn't even a lock for a roster spot. The Saints will be in trouble if they need Smith to start games this season.
Source:
New Orleans Times-Picayune
Patriots 'holding out hope' on Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski | NE
(June 18, 2013 7:18 PM EDT)
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Patriots are "holding out hope" Rob Gronkowski (back surgery, arm surgery) will be ready for Week 1.
As to be expected. At this point, there's no reason to unilaterally assume Gronk won't be ready for Week 1 — two and a half months is a long time — but there's still far more reason to believe he won't be ready than will be ready. We're unlikely to get a good read on Gronk's regular season status before mid-August. All we know for now is that he'll start camp on the active/PUP list.
Source:
Ian Rapoport on Twitter
Report: Pats believe Hernandez is innocent
Aaron Hernandez | NE
(June 18, 2013 7:04 PM EDT)
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the "belief" inside Patriots headquarters is that Aaron Hernandez was "not involved" with the murder police are investigating in Attleboro, Mass.
The facts are changing quickly, but here's what we think we know: Hernandez is simply being questioned, and is not a suspect. 2. A car rented in Hernandez's name is a "key piece of evidence." 3. Hernandez's home is being searched Tuesday evening. The story will likely continue to evolve quickly, but for now there's no reason to assume anything other than Hernandez is having a (really) bad Tuesday. The situation should be updated later this evening.
Source:
Adam Schefter on Twitter
Hernandez questioned in murder investigation
Aaron Hernandez | NE
(June 18, 2013 5:59 PM EDT)
Sports Illustrated reports Aaron Hernandez has been questioned in a "possible homicide" in North Attleboro, Mass., but is "not believed to be a murder suspect."
However, SI reports "a vehicle rented in (Hernandez's) name has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the investigation." The body of a 27-year-old Boston man was found less than a mile from Hernandez's home on Monday. Hernandez was questioned by Massachusetts State Police, who were reportedly at his residence on Tuesday. A source close to Hernandez confirmed he has spoken with police. His player rep has declined comment.
Source:
Sports Illustrated
Report: Gronkowski's back surgery a success
Rob Gronkowski | NE
(June 18, 2013 5:19 PM EDT)
Profootballtalk reports "it is believed" Rob Gronkowski's Tuesday back operation went well.
We wouldn't expect anything else, but it would be unwise to take anything related to Gronk's health for granted. Set to open camp on the active/PUP list, Gronk's Week 1 status is hazy, at best. It would be an upset if he didn't miss regular season games. He's not going to play in the preseason.
Source:
Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com
Armanti Edwards likely to keep roster spot?
Armanti Edwards | CAR
(June 18, 2013 5:14 PM EDT)
The Charlotte Observer believes Armanti Edwards is "beginning to look like an NFL receiver," and expects him to keep his roster spot.
Better late than never? Edwards has done absolutely nothing through his first three NFL seasons, but is apparently "running fluid routes and catching the ball in traffic." That's all good and well, but pad-less practices have always been when Edwards shines. We're highly skeptical he'll suddenly be a productive player in 2013, and don't consider his roster spot cinched up.
Source:
Charlotte Observer