My weekly Thursday live chat drew 5,195 questions from 2,067 people yesterday afternoon and even setting aside the 1,195 or so times someone submitted "why aren't you answering my question?!" as a question, tackling all the other 4,000 or so queries is beyond my ability as a human. For people who hung out in the chat and were disappointed not to have their questions answered, you're in luck!
Gregg Rosenthal is hosting a much more exclusive, intimate live chat for Season Pass subscribers this afternoon. He'll answer a much higher percentage of the questions submitted and probably won't waste as much time making jokes about Gregg Rosenthal, so check it out. Also, for those of you who had a "sit or start?" question ignored by me, as usual Goal Line Stand has all the answers.
While we learn that Tony Romo is far nicer than he probably has any right to be at this point, here are some notes from around football .
* Vince Young spoke to the media Thursday and responded to reports about his mental state, saying that he was "never depressed" and remains committed to football. "Football, this is my life," Young said. "It's a blessing to play the game I love, and I'm having a good time playing it. Young said that he "didn't know how to handle" being booed for the first time, but wants everyone "to know I'm fine."
Even setting aside Young's potentially serious off-field issues for a moment, he's going to miss at least a few weeks with a sprained knee. Kerry Collins will start in his place and there's plenty of speculation that Young won't be guaranteed the job once healthy again, although that seems far-fetched assuming that his knee and mind are both right. Collins figures to be a low-end QB2 in the meantime.
* With Deion Branch, Bobby Engram, and Nate Burleson all sidelined by injuries, fantasy nation has been trying to figure out which receivers will step up for the Seahawks. Courtney Taylor and Logan Payne will likely see the most action this week, with backup quarterback Seneca Wallace also in the mix, but rookie tight end John Carlson may benefit most from the banged-up receiving corps.
A second-round pick out of Notre Dame, Carlson quickly moved past Will Heller and Jeb Putzier on the depth chart and hauled in every ball thrown his way in the season opener, totaling 52 yards on four grabs. A solid all-around tight end with reliable hands, Carlson should get at least 6-8 targets this week and is capable of emerging as a low-end TE1 option until Engram and Branch get healthy.
* Coach Mike McCarthy indicated Thursday that Ryan Grant will be a game-time decision this week because of a hamstring injury, but Grant said: "I don't see it as a question." Normally it'd be smart to plan for life without a banged-up runner, but Grant's matchup against the Lions is so juicy that he could easily put up RB1 numbers on just 15 touches. Double-check his status before setting your lineup.
* LaDainian Tomlinson tried to brush off concerns about his toe injury earlier this week, but it's definitely a major issue now that he's missed two straight practices. Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Tomlinson is legitimately in danger of missing Week 2, which makes grabbing backup Darren Sproles an even better idea than usual for his owners. Check back on his injury report status Friday.
Two-Minute Drill: After hauling in just one Brett Favre pass in the season opener, Laveranues Coles said Thursday that he doesn't yet "have a feel for him" going into a Week 2 matchup versus the Patriots . Offensive coordinator Al Saunders blamed himself Thursday for abandoning the running game when the Rams fell behind in Week 1, but with another potential blowout on the horizon against the Giants getting Steven Jackson consistent carries may be tough again . Coach Tony Sparano said Thursday that Ted Ginn Jr. remains a starter, but added that the Dolphins "are still trying to find the right pieces to the puzzle" and "need to see some consistency come out of some of these guys" . Meanwhile, Derek Hagan has been Miami's top receiver in practice this week . With Ahman Green out, Chris Taylor will back up Steve Slaton in Week 2 while Darius Walker goes from practice squad to No. 3 running back . According to coach Scott Linehan, newly signed Eddie Kennison will play "a role somewhat similar to what a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver would have" . Sunday afternoon's Ravens-Texans game has been moved to Monday night because of Hurricane Ike.
Red Zone:Willis McGahee (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, once again making him at best a very risky RB2 option while giving backup Ray Rice decent RB3/FLEX value . Marion Barber's ribs are no longer a big concern after he put in a full practice Thursday . Donte' Stallworth (quadriceps) missed his second straight practice Thursday after injuring himself in pregame warm-ups last week and looks unlikely to play against the Steelers . Reggie Brown (hamstring) was limited in practice Thursday and coach Andy Reid called him "questionable" for Monday night . Dallas Clark (knee) sat out practice again Thursday, all but ruling him out for Week 2 . Deuce McAllister (knee) practiced fully Thursday, but remains stuck behind Pierre Thomas on the depth chart . A concussion looks likely to keep Albert Haynesworth from playing this week, which is a huge blow to the Titans' defense and a nice boost for Bengals skill players . James Jones (knee) practiced fully Thursday and figures to resume his role as Green Bay's third receiver . Jerry Porter's injured hamstring was healthy enough for him to put in a full practice Thursday, setting him for at least a part-time role.
